Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act

The "Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act" is designed to bolster defenses against cyber threats targeting essential national systems. It significantly increases the penalties for individuals convicted of computer fraud and related offenses that specifically involve critical infrastructure . Under this legislation, such offenses would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, or even life imprisonment, in addition to applicable fines. Furthermore, the bill mandates the imposition of sanctions on foreign persons who knowingly access or attempt to access U.S. critical infrastructure. These sanctions are triggered if the access is intended to harm the national security or defense of the United States, or the safety and security of its citizens or lawful permanent residents. The President is required to implement these sanctions, which include blocking all property and interests in property of the foreign person within U.S. jurisdiction. For foreign individuals, the sanctions also entail inadmissibility to the United States, making them ineligible for visas, admission, or parole. Any existing visas or other entry documentation held by such individuals would be immediately revoked. The President retains a limited waiver authority for these sanctions, allowing for temporary waivers of up to 180 days if deemed vital to U.S. national security interests, with prior notification to Congress.