Small businesses across the country could soon see greater attention from Congress on cybersecurity challenges under new bipartisan legislation introduced by Lateefah Simon.
The freshman California Democrat announced the introduction of the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act, a measure designed to better understand the digital threats facing small businesses and evaluate what federal resources already exist to help them prepare for and respond to cyberattacks. The legislation is co-led by Rob Bresnahan and was unanimously approved by the House Small Business Committee, sending it to the House floor for consideration.
If enacted, the bill would direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a comprehensive assessment of cybersecurity risks confronting small businesses nationwide. The review would examine common vulnerabilities and identify existing federal initiatives, funding opportunities, and capital resources intended to strengthen cyber resilience.
The legislation arrives as businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to operate and compete. While these developments create opportunities, they also expose smaller firms to growing risks ranging from phishing attacks to fraud and other cyber incidents.
Supporters of the bill argue that small businesses often lack the personnel, financial reserves, and technical capabilities available to larger corporations, making recovery from cyberattacks especially difficult. Minority-, women-, disabled-, and veteran-owned businesses may face even greater challenges in recovering from disruptions that threaten operations, jobs, and community investment.
“Small businesses are already operating with limited resources and tight margins; a cybersecurity attack could mean the difference between survival and failure,” Simon said in a statement. She added that lawmakers need stronger data and analysis to fully understand evolving cybersecurity risks and develop effective policy responses.
Simon also thanked Bresnahan as well as House Small Business Committee leadership for supporting the effort.
The proposal marks Simon’s fifth small business-focused bill in the 119th Congress. Since taking office in January 2025, she has advanced multiple measures through the House, including the Assisting Small Businesses, Not Fraudsters Act and the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act.
