WASHINGTON, DC – On May 17, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement after the joint staff briefing with Colonial Pipeline:

“Following today’s briefing from Colonial Pipeline, we remain extremely concerned about the rise in ransomware attacks and the threat to our nation and its critical infrastructure.  It is deeply troubling that cyber criminals were able to use a ransomware attack to disrupt gas supply on the East Coast and reportedly extort millions of dollars.  We’re disappointed that the company refused to share any specific information regarding the reported payment of ransom during today’s briefing.  In order for Congress to legislate effectively on ransomware, we need this information.

“This attack not only highlights glaring vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure, it also exposes a marketplace in which it may be easier for a company to pay off a criminal than put resources towards preventing and defending against attacks.  We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our nation’s cyber defenses and secure our critical infrastructure.”