Critical Infrastructure AI Cyber Defense Pilot Program bill (H.R. 10519)
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Critical Infrastructure AI Cyber Defense Pilot Program bill
United States (federal)
Proposed federal legislation
H.R. 10519, 119th Congress.[1]
Introduced September 21, 2026; referred to House Homeland Security.[1]
Proposed establishment within 120 days after enactment and termination five years after enactment.[2]
October 12, 2026 — full introduced text and official bill-status record reviewed.
H.R. 10519 would establish a Critical Infrastructure AI Cyber Defense Pilot Program within the Department of Homeland Security. Representative Josh Gottheimer introduced it September 21, 2026 with bipartisan cosponsors Don Bacon, Zach Nunn, Hillary Scholten and Greg Landsman. It was referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security; that is the latest action in the official record reviewed October 12.[1]
Proposed program
Within 120 days after enactment, the Homeland Security Secretary, acting through CISA’s Director and consulting Sector Risk Management Agencies, would establish the pilot. Participating critical-infrastructure owners and operators would securely use AI procured through the Secretary and technical assistance to protect against, detect, test for and remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.[2]
Participation and reporting
Applicants would apply annually on terms set by the Secretary. The Secretary would prioritize owners and operators determined to be nonprofit, publicly owned, rural or small. The bill incorporates the existing statutory definitions of AI, critical infrastructure and Sector Risk Management Agencies.[2]
The Secretary, acting through CISA’s Director, would report to Congress and the Comptroller General within 30 days of establishing the program and monthly thereafter until termination. Reports would specify applicable grant counts, amounts and recipients for the period.[2]
Funding and duration
The introduced text authorizes $100 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with no more than 5 percent used for specified salaries, expenses and administrative costs of AI procurement and technical assistance. The program would terminate five years after enactment.[2]
The fiscal-year authorization window is separate from the enactment-based establishment and termination deadlines.[2]
Timeline
- September 21, 2026: Introduced and referred to Homeland Security.[1]
- Proposed deadlines: Establishment within 120 days after enactment; first report within 30 days after establishment, followed by monthly reports; termination five years after enactment.[2]
Related articles and coverage
- United States Federal Authorities
- Government use and procurement
- CISA Securing AI Task Force Act (119th Congress) — separate proposal for an internal CISA AI-security task force.
- September 23, 2026 digest coverage — September 21 introduction.