FedRAMP Authorization Act

5/11/2023, 3:46 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8956

The FedRAMP Authorization Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 8956, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to streamline and improve the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which is responsible for ensuring the security of cloud computing services used by federal agencies.

The FedRAMP Authorization Act aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the FedRAMP process by establishing clear guidelines and deadlines for agencies to follow when authorizing cloud services. This includes requiring agencies to complete security assessments within a certain timeframe and to make decisions on authorizations within 90 days.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve transparency and accountability within the FedRAMP program by requiring regular reporting on the status of authorizations and the implementation of security controls. It also calls for the establishment of a FedRAMP Advisory Board to provide guidance and oversight to the program. Overall, the FedRAMP Authorization Act is designed to strengthen the security of cloud computing services used by the federal government and to ensure that agencies are able to quickly and efficiently authorize these services while maintaining high standards of security.

Congressional Summary of HR 8956

FedRAMP Authorization Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) within the General Services Administration (GSA).

The GSA must establish a government-wide program that provides the authoritative standardized approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud computing products and services that process unclassified information used by agencies. Agencies must ensure that their cloud computing services meet GSA requirements.

The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress assessing

  • the costs incurred by agencies and cloud service providers relating to the issuance of FedRAMP authorizations,
  • the extent to which agencies have processes in place to continuously monitor the implementation of cloud computing products and services operating as federal information systems,
  • how often and for which categories of products and services agencies use FedRAMP authorizations, and
  • the unique costs and potential burdens incurred by cloud computing companies that are small business concerns as a part of the FedRAMP authorization process.

The bill establishes the Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 8956

Bill HR 8956 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 22, 2022. Bill HR 8956 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on September 22, 2022.  Bill HR 8956's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of October 11, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8956

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8956

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

Advisory bodiesComputer security and identity theftComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightExecutive agency funding and structureGeneral Services AdministrationGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsPerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementTechnology assessment

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8956

FedRAMP Authorization ActFedRAMP Authorization ActTo amend chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, to improve the cybersecurity of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.FedRAMP Authorization Act
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Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 8956

R
Gerald E. Connolly
Virginia(Democrat)
R
James Comer
Kentucky(Republican)

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