Garbarino Leads Push for Stronger Cybersecurity in Silicon Valley Talks
The Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, South Shore Congressman Andrew Garbarino, spent the week engaging directly with top technology and cybersecurity leaders in Silicon Valley, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between the federal government and private sector to bolster U.S. cyber resilience.
The Long Island Rep participated in a series of briefings, discussions, and a formal hearing focused on enhancing critical infrastructure protection, modernizing regulations, and keeping pace with fast-moving technological advancements. The visit included tours of Apple headquarters, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and a field hearing hosted by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
His activities come as Suffolk tightens its security in the wake of a 2023 ransomware attack that led to the shut down the county’s computer network, costing taxpayers millions and disrupting services for months.
“Meeting directly with the technology leaders and experts driving the future of cybersecurity allowed us to hear firsthand how Congress can better support their work—whether that means strengthening public-private partnerships, cutting through outdated red tape, or ensuring federal policies keep pace with the rapid evolution of the digital landscape,” Garbarino said.
The field hearing featured testimony from Google, Palo Alto Networks, and Corridor representatives, with breakout sessions including Microsoft, Ivanti, Tanium, Horizon3.ai, and Apple. Conversations centered on persistent challenges such as ransomware, regulatory overlap, and the dual-edge role of artificial intelligence in cyber defense and offense.
Experts urged lawmakers to streamline cybersecurity mandates, enhance timely threat intelligence sharing, and support innovation that embeds security into products at the development stage. Participants also stressed the importance of recruiting and retaining a skilled cyber workforce, a concern echoed throughout the week.
Garbarino, who represents New York’s 2nd Congressional District, has made cybersecurity policy a key priority in Congress, especially in the face of increasingly aggressive cyber threats targeting U.S. infrastructure and institutions. It was recently revealed that U.S. electric grid components made in China contained chips that could enable the communist country to shut down transformers and other vital equipment.
“This trip to Palo Alto was a powerful reminder that America’s cybersecurity advantage depends on innovation, collaboration, and leadership,” Garbarino said. “Together, we are working to secure our nation’s critical infrastructure and ensure a safer, stronger future for all Americans.”
The discussions are expected to inform legislative efforts in Washington as Garbarino and his colleagues continue to push for actionable reforms to protect the nation’s digital and physical infrastructure.