The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation this week that seeks to ensure that small businesses are protected from cybersecurity risks.
The Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, co-led by Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA), directs the U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate Federal cybersecurity assistance to small businesses.
The bill would also require a study to analyze cyber risks, vulnerabilities, and current initiatives and identify shortcomings of current preventative and mitigating measures.
“In the United States, small businesses are 210 percent more likely to experience cyber incidents compared to larger companies,” Bresnahan said. “Despite this, many of our small businesses lack the resources and expertise necessary to defend against these threats. This legislation will help ensure that as cyber threats continue to evolve, our support systems for small businesses evolve as well.”
The legislation first passed out of the House Committee on Small Business on May 20, by a bipartisan vote of 23-0.
“Small businesses are the foundation of Main Streets across the country, and we cannot leave them behind as digital infrastructure becomes more unpredictable,” Bresnahan said. “By finding the gaps in current programs, this bill will give our small businesses better access to the tools, training, and resources they need to strengthen their defense against cyberattacks.”