Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act
To authorize the President of the United States to issue cyber letters of marque and reprisal, and for other purposes.
This bill, HB9697, proposes to authorize the President of the United States to issue cyber letters of marque and reprisal. These are special permits that allow individuals or companies to act on behalf of the government in cyber conflicts. Essentially, it allows the President to empower certain groups to defend against cyber threats on behalf of the nation.
The bill would primarily affect cybersecurity professionals and companies involved in cyber defense. If passed, these groups could operate with the backing of the federal government to respond to cyber attacks, potentially increasing their legal authority and resources. The bill could also impact international relations, as other countries may view these actions as aggressive.
HB9697 was introduced on July 15, 2026, and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. It is currently in its early stages, awaiting further action from the committee.
