# What This Bill Does

The Department of Defense would create a new center focused on protecting military vehicles from cyber attacks. This center would work specifically on cybersecurity for connected vehicles—meaning military trucks, tanks, and other ground combat vehicles that rely on computer systems and wireless connections. The main idea is to avoid reinventing the wheel by tapping into the security technology that car companies have already developed for regular passenger vehicles and trucks, then adapting that technology for military use.

# Why This Matters

Modern vehicles, both civilian and military, increasingly depend on computers and internet connections to operate. This creates vulnerabilities that hackers could potentially exploit. By establishing this center, the military would be able to learn from and build upon the cybersecurity solutions that companies like Ford, Tesla, and other automakers have already invested billions of dollars developing. This approach could save taxpayer money and speed up how quickly the military can protect its vehicles from digital threats. The center would also test and evaluate these technologies to make sure they work for military applications, which have different needs than civilian cars.

# What Happens Next

The bill authorizes $12 million in funding for this center and requires the Secretary of Defense to submit yearly reports to Congress explaining how the center is progressing, what research projects are underway, and how federal agencies are using it. This keeps Congress informed about whether the investment is actually producing results and protecting military vehicles as intended.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center in the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

Slotkin, Elissa

<p>This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center to enable cost savings and rapid demonstrations by leveraging commercial investments in automotive cybersecurity technology research, development, testing, and manufacturing for passenger automobile, truck, and DOD ground combat and tactical vehicle applications.</p>