Senate passes cybersecurity bill

The Senate passed a cybersecurity bill on Thursday to protect critical infrastructure.

S. 1353, the Cybersecurity Act, permits the secretary of Commerce to develop voluntary standards to reduce cyber risks to critical infrastructure, such as power grids.

{mosads}Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) authored the legislation, which was passed through a unanimous consent agreement.

The bill also calls for a public-private partnership with industry leaders to develop these standards. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

Congress is clearing several bills before adjournment for the year.