Several key Senate Democrats introduced a placeholder bill last week that urges Congress to pass legislation to protect the U.S. critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. The bill, The Cybersecurity and American Cyber Competitiveness Act, was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. and backed by the chairs of seven committees with cybersecurity jurisdiction. The bill itself would not create any laws but signals the lawmakers' intent to pass cybersecurity legislation, most of which stalled last year. It calls for urgent action to secure the electric grid, financial sector, military assets and telecommunications networks. It also urges incentives be provided to members of the private sector who take action to mitigate threats. - AM