Sen. Rick Scott Introduces PROTECT the Grid Act to Investigate Foreign Control of Smart Appliances

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced legislation directing the Department of Commerce to assess national security risks posed by high-wattage internet-connected devices and applications operated by companies under the control of foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. On Friday Scott announced the introduction of the Preventing Remote Operations by Threatening Entities on Critical Technology for the Grid (PROTECT the Grid) Act, a bill aimed at investigating potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. electric grid from certain internet-connected appliances and devices linked to foreign adversaries. The legislation directs the Department of Commerce, in coordination with other federal officials, to submit a…