Padilla, Schmitt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Theft and Vandalism

Legislation would strengthen federal protections for copper, fiber, and coaxial cables WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act , bipartisan legislation to combat the growing problem of theft and vandalism targeting critical infrastructure used to provide telecommunications and information services. The bill would strengthen federal protections for critical communications networks by making the willful or malicious theft, destruction, or damage of copper, fiber, and coaxial cables used to provide telecommunications and information services a federal criminal offense. “Californians and consumers across the country deserve protection from the critical infrastructure attacks that have driven up service costs and disrupted internet service,” said Senator Padilla . “When critical infrastructure is vandalized, communities immediately feel the impacts — emergency phone calls are disrupted, communications networks experience widespread outages, and public safety is put at risk. Our bill would ensure protections for critical infrastructure across the state and country, strengthen connections across communities, and hold those who steal or vandalize such infrastructure responsible.” “Missouri families and businesses rely on broadband every day, and when critical infrastructure is vandalized or stolen, they are the ones who ultimately pay the price through service disruptions and higher costs. My bill gives law enforcement another tool to protect the infrastructure that keeps communities connected and holds those who deliberately damage these networks accountable,” said Senator Schmitt . California has experienced numerous incidents of theft and vandalism at critical communications sites. Such incidents can disrupt essential internet service and result in costly repairs that are often ultimately borne by consumers through higher service costs. Last year, California had the most attacks on communications networks in the country, with more than 6,000 incidents reported and an estimated $252.6 million in losses. Los Angeles alone experienced a reported 1,131 attacks, the most of any city in the country. The Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act would amend Section 1362 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which imposes penalties for vandalizing certain federal communications facilities. The legislation would expand the law to cover privately-operated facilities used to provide telecommunications and information services. Specifically, the Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act would: Protect critical infrastructure: Explicitly includes copper, fiber, and coaxial cables used to provide telecommunications and information services within Section 1362’s purview; Cover privately owned networks: Extends federal protections to facilities operated by private entities, including privately-owned broadband networks; Penalize theft and vandalism: Imposes criminal penalties for the willful or malicious injury, destruction, or theft of covered copper, fiber, and coaxial cables, as well as attempts or conspiracies to commit those offenses; and Protect lawful activities: Maintains protections for certain lawful concerted activities and excludes customer premises equipment from the new provisions. “We applaud Sens. Schmitt and Padilla for introducing the Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act , building important bipartisan, bicameral momentum to address the growing threat of vandalism to our nation’s critical communications infrastructure,” said NCTA, The Internet & Television Association . “These networks are essential to public safety, national security, and daily life, yet increasing copper theft and intentional damage are disrupting emergency services, harming communities, and leaving consumers without vital connectivity. Strengthening federal law with tougher deterrents and penalties will help protect these critical networks and the millions of Americans who rely on them every day.” “America’s wireless networks must not only be built and operated effectively, but also protected,” said Kelly Cole, Senior VP of Government Affairs of CTIA . “Vandalism and theft are a growing reality impacting our critical infrastructure, and this legislation is a meaningful step toward deterring these crimes and holding bad actors accountable. We thank Senators Schmitt and Padilla for their leadership on this important issue and look forward to working with Congress to keep our networks safe and secure.” “We’re grateful to Senators Schmitt and Padilla for stepping up to protect the critical communications networks Americans rely on every day,” said Spectrum . “The Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act takes meaningful action to update federal law to ensure all networks are protected.” “We appreciate the leadership of Senators Schmitt and Padilla in introducing the Combating Critical Infrastructure Vandalism Act ,” said Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer of Comcast . “America’s broadband networks are the backbone of our small businesses, hospitals, schools, and homes, and this legislation is an important step to securing them.” Full text of the bill is available here . ###