Schumer Urges DHS to Boost AI Cyber Defense for Local Governments

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to intensify coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to counter emerging artificial intelligence-driven cyber threats. In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Schumer warned that AI systems are rapidly becoming superior to humans at identifying software vulnerabilities, posing imminent risks to critical infrastructure such as hospitals and energy grids. He criticized the federal government's recent decision to cease funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), arguing that this move undermines essential information-sharing capabilities during a period of heightened technological risk. Schumer requested detailed plans from DHS regarding risk assessments, vulnerability patching, and workforce training to ensure all government levels can defend against AI-enabled hacking. While the Trump administration has promised streamlined information sharing through its new National Cyber Strategy, Schumer emphasized that immediate action is required to prevent major disruptions. The senator highlighted that AI could be capable of hacking critical systems within a year, urging the federal government to eliminate delays in bolstering local cybersecurity defenses before it is too late.