House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino and Representative Vince Fong held a roundtable with officials from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and regional stakeholders in California’s Central Valley on April 13 to discuss current cyber threats, workforce challenges, and vulnerabilities facing essential systems.
The meeting brought together representatives from military installations, local and state government, as well as critical infrastructure sectors to address how federal resources are supporting local partners. Participants focused on identifying gaps in coordination and ensuring that federal efforts align with the needs of communities responsible for securing vital infrastructure.
Attendees included Chris Butera, Acting Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity at CISA; Thomas Gonzales, Deputy Regional Director for CISA Region 9; and Joseph Oregon, Chief of Cybersecurity for CISA Region 9. Chairman Garbarino said: “The cyber threats facing critical infrastructure that Americans rely on have evolved dramatically in recent years, with our adversaries growing increasingly sophisticated. Attacks targeting sectors like telecommunications, energy, water, and transportation systems require a proactive, whole-of-society response. I appreciate Congressman Fong bringing together such an extraordinary group of public and private sector leaders who are on the frontlines of protecting these systems and know the challenges we face firsthand. From bolstering the cyber workforce and information sharing, to ensuring our state and local partners have the tools and resources from CISA to defend our communities, our discussions are invaluable as we work together to strengthen our cybersecurity posture.”
Rep. Fong said: “Cybersecurity is national security. As threats grow and evolve, we must constantly be at the ready. That means bringing together leaders from every level of government and the private sector to strengthen our defenses and stay ahead of emerging risks. The Central Valley is home to vital infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, and military assets that must be protected. This roundtable will enhance our strategies, ensuring our region is prepared to respond to emerging threats while building a strong cybersecurity workforce for the future.”
Chris Butera added: “As the Nation’s cyber defense agency, we are excited to engage with critical infrastructure entities where they are… By joining Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino’s roundtable we are strengthening collaboration with critical infrastructure and communities to share insights address emerging threats,” he said.
Prior to this event last Thursday Chairman Garbarino met with executives from both Port of Los Angeles (POLA) & Port of Long Beach (POLB)—two major container ports—where it was noted that cybersecurity threats facing maritime sectors increased by more than 100 percent over last year compared to 2024.
In recent months Congress has advanced legislation such as H.R. 5078 (the PILLAR Act), which would reauthorize grants for state & local governments addressing cybersecurity risks—including those involving artificial intelligence—and H.R. 2659 which would create an interagency task force led by CISA & FBI targeting state-sponsored actors linked with China’s Communist Party.
