Across Texas, and just halfway through summer, every part of the state has already reached record levels of heat, accompanies by rolling blackouts and a grid that can’t sustain the necessary energy to keep us cool. Here in Houston, we’re on track for one of the hottest summers in recent memory, leading to astronomical energy bills and constant worry that our neighborhoods will be victim to the next power outage as the temperature rises.
Texas’ power grid is already at a breaking point. Unfortunately, recent Russian hacking attempts to infiltrate our state’s energy infrastructure are looming in the background, threatening our national security and our A/C.
Warfare today is no longer limited to land attacks. As cyber threats become increasingly common from our adversaries like Russia or China, the only defense will be a strong and capable technology sector, equipped to handle the challenges the next generation of Americans will face. From school systems to hospitals, Texas organizations have already fallen victim to these attacks, affecting real people and their data. And if our technology remains stagnant, foreign enemies will continue to grow more advanced, leveraging our livelihoods and leaving us defenseless against larger attacks that could be life-threatening during these extreme heat waves.
U.S. technology needs to come out on top in the battle for global tech leadership. We cannot afford to stifle our future innovators with misguided legislation that could ultimately give hostile foreign governments a leg up. Senators Cruz and Cornyn have stood up for strengthening our tech innovation, noting its importance to our state economy and the role it plays in protecting Americans against ransomware attacks. Now, it’s vital for Congress to do the same, on behalf of every businessowner, parent, and any Texan who just wants to come home to a cool house at the end of the day.
This tech innovation, much of which is generated right here in Texas, keeps our nation secure and allows businesses to provide the essential services we rely on, like air conditioning in our homes and gas in our cars. Security and technology go hand in hand, and a strong technology sector is a key piece to keeping the lights on — literally and figuratively.
It’s time for our leaders to implement smart policy choices that support America’s innovation and security, not China’s or Russia’s. Congress must act, before this summer gets even hotter and the stakes get even higher.
Asheesh Agarwal is a native of Houston and a former deputy at the U.S. Department of Justice. He is an advisor to the American Edge Project on economic policy.