ThePolitibase
S. 2169IntroducedSCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATIONS

Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act

Computer security and identity theft · Health facilities and institutions · Higher education
Sponsor
Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
R · MO
Key facts
Introduced: Jun 25, 2025
Chamber: Senate
Cosponsors: 6
Congress: 119th
Latest action · Jan 28, 2026
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 309.

Summary

Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a workforce development strategy to address the need for cybersecurity professionals in rural hospitals.

Among other topics, the strategy must consider (1) partnerships between rural hospitals, hospitals that are not rural hospitals, educational institutions, and private nonprofit or for-profit entities; and (2) the development of a cybersecurity curriculum for use in rural educational institutions. HHS must annually brief Congress on the strategy and any programs or initiatives established thereunder.

Additionally, HHS must disseminate free materials that rural hospitals may use to train staff about cybersecurity.

Summary by Congressional Research Service.

Timeline

  1. Jan 28, 2026
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 309.
  2. Jan 28, 2026
    Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
  3. Jan 28, 2026
    Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
  4. Jan 15, 2026
    Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  5. Jun 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  6. Jun 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate

Cosponsors

In the News

View official record on Congress.gov →
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