Congress Proposes $100M Program to Test AI Defenses Against Grid Cyberattacks
Representative Pablo Hernández introduced H.R. 7696 on February 25, with language that would establish a five-year grant program to develop AI systems designed to defend the electric grid against cyberattacks. The bill authorizes $100 million in funding through 2030 and currently has two cosponsors.
The legislation directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Homeland Security to create the grant program within 180 days of enactment. Funding would support the development of secure AI cyber-physical testbeds-controlled environments where researchers can simulate large-scale attacks on grid infrastructure and train AI systems without risking actual power systems.
Who Gets the Money
Eligible recipients include public universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, national laboratories, and consortia combining these entities. The bill does not restrict awards to a single sector, potentially opening opportunities for academic institutions to partner with government research facilities.
Reporting and Definitions
CISA and DHS would submit an initial report within one year of the bill's passage, documenting evolving cyber threats and progress on AI mitigation strategies. Annual reports would continue through at least 2031, giving Congress ongoing visibility into grid security risks and whether existing regulations require updates.
The bill defines AI according to existing law-systems capable of performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence. This aligns with how federal agencies already classify AI systems.
Industry Players
Companies specializing in AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, and network systems could pursue contracts under the program. NVIDIA, IBM, and Cisco have existing expertise in AI models, cybersecurity solutions, and network infrastructure respectively.
For IT and development professionals, this legislation signals federal investment in AI-driven infrastructure security. Understanding how testbed environments work and what AI capabilities agencies are testing could inform decisions about skills development or career positioning in critical infrastructure.
AI for IT & Development professionals should track how this program develops, as it represents a concrete use case for AI in infrastructure resilience. Similarly, AI for Cybersecurity Analysts offers relevant context on how AI systems are being deployed to defend critical systems.
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