US Federal Senate Bill SB2602

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/31/25
• Refer: 7/31/25

Caption

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the scope of affirmation of authority for cyber operations to include defense of critical infrastructure of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

Summary

SB 2602 would amend section 394 of title 10, United States Code, to expand the Department of Defense’s existing authority for cyber operations. Specifically, it adds the defense of Department of Defense critical infrastructure to the list of purposes covered by the statute’s “affirmation of authority” for cyber operations, alongside existing purposes such as force protection. The bill also creates a new statutory definition for “critical infrastructure of the Department of Defense,” describing it as DoD assets so important that their incapacitation or destruction by cyberattack would seriously impair the Department’s ability to carry out its missions. In practical terms, the bill is aimed at strengthening the legal basis for cyber activities intended to protect key military systems, networks, and facilities from hostile cyber threats. It does not appear to create a new program or appropriations mechanism; rather, it clarifies and broadens the scope of existing cyber authorities in federal law. The measure was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Armed Services, with no recorded votes or committee debate provided in the available materials.

Impact

The bill would amend federal defense law by changing 10 U.S.C. § 394 to expressly include the defense of Department of Defense critical infrastructure within the scope of authorized cyber operations. It would also add a statutory definition that could guide future interpretation, implementation, and operational planning by the Department of Defense and potentially by oversight bodies reviewing cyber authorities. The affected parties are primarily the Department of Defense, military cyber operators, and the defense infrastructure they are tasked with protecting.

Sentiment

Based on the available record, the bill appears to be a technical and security-focused measure with no documented opposition or recorded vote. The title and text suggest a generally supportive posture toward expanding cyber defense authorities for military infrastructure protection. Because there are no committee transcripts or votes included, there is no evidence of formal debate or partisan division in the materials provided.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised in future debate, could include the breadth of the expanded cyber authority, how “critical infrastructure” is defined and designated, and oversight of cyber operations conducted under the amended statute. However, no member statements, amendments, or recorded objections are included here.