Contact Congress about H.R. 8711: Data Infrastructure Risk Reduction Act

The Department of Homeland Security would have to identify important data centers and plan how to protect them. The plan would also look at power, water, and risks for people living near those facilities. Congress would get the strategy within 180 days.

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Data Infrastructure Risk Reduction Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Latest action on H.R. 8711: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects federal security agencies, data center owners and operators, and people who live near data center sites. It could also matter to local governments and utility providers because the strategy would review power, water, safety, and community impacts tied to these facilities.

Why this matters: Data centers support many everyday services, so an attack or major outage could affect large numbers of people and organizations. This bill would push the federal government to plan for both cyber and physical threats before disruptions happen. It could also influence how future data centers are protected, where they are built, and how nearby communities are considered, but the exact effects would depend on the recommendations DHS sends to Congress.

Key provisions in H.R. 8711

• The Department of Homeland Security would lead the work through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA.
• DHS would work with the Department of Defense when appropriate while developing the strategy.
• DHS and CISA would identify which data centers should be treated as critical infrastructure under current federal law.
• DHS and CISA would review the security of power and water systems serving those data centers. They must pay special attention to above-ground electric transmission lines and electrical substations.
• DHS and CISA would have to consider the effects of data centers located near communities or other residential areas.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 8711

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 8711

What is H.R. 8711?

The Department of Homeland Security would have to identify important data centers and plan how to protect them. The plan would also look at power, water, and risks for people living near those facilities. Congress would get the strategy within 180 days.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 8711?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 8711?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 8711 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.