Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) joined a group of his colleagues from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in introducing H.R. 739, to support United States international cyber diplomacy. The bipartisan bill would establish an Office of International Cyberspace Policy and lay the foundation for international cyberspace policy, including human rights and opposing cyber-enabled theft. “As cyber threats from foreign entities continue to be a paramount homeland security concern, the United States must pave the way in championing democratic principles,” said Curtis. “This legislation ensures that the State Department will lead global efforts to promote a secure and free Internet.” Background In the “Preventative Priorities Study 2019,” performed by the Center for Preventative Action, the threat of a highly disruptive cyberattack on US critical infrastructure and networks was the top-ranked homeland security-related contingency for 2019. The legislation:

• Specifies objectives for implementation, including securing commitments on responsible state behavior.

• Creates a US international cyber policy that advances democratic principles.
• Promotes working with foreign governments to support the United States international cyberspace policy.
• Establishes an Ambassador for Cyberspace to lead cyber diplomacy efforts.
• Directs the US Ambassador to the United Nations to advance international cyberspace policy.
• Requires inclusion of internet freedoms assessments in the State Department’s annual country reports