A key Senate panel on Wednesday advanced legislation to reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that includes a measure reorganizing the department’s cybersecurity wing.

The bill includes language that would reorganize and rename the office within the department that protects federal networks and critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats, currently known as the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD). Under the legislation, the entity would be transformed into an operational agency called the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

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The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the legislation at a meeting Wednesday.

“This bill now includes a key reorganization for DHS, transforming the National Protection and Programs Directorate into the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,” Sen. Ron Johnson Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonGOP set to release controversial Biden report Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - White House moves closer to Pelosi on virus relief bill MORE (R-Wis.), who chairs the committee, said in a statement.

“Establishing an agency within DHS to focus on cyber and infrastructure security will help DHS achieve its missions.”

The effort to reorganize Homeland Security’s cyber efforts has long been a priority of House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul Michael Thomas McCaulEngel subpoenas US global media chief Michael Pack Russia continues Navalny probe, wants to send additional investigators to Germany Pompeo says 'substantial chance' Navalny poisoning was ordered by senior Russian official MORE (R-Texas). The House passed a stand-alone bill on it last December. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Kirstjen Michele NielsenDHS IG won't investigate after watchdog said Wolf, Cuccinelli appointments violated law Appeals court sides with Trump over drawdown of immigrant protections Democrats smell blood with new DHS whistleblower complaint MORE has expressed support for the measure.

The Senate committee also approved several amendments to the Homeland Security reauthorization bill, including multiple cybersecurity-related measures.

For instance, the committee approved amendments that would set up a pilot “bug bounty” program to catch vulnerabilities in Homeland Security networks; direct the department to report on potential the threats of blockchain technology; and set up a pilot “talent exchange” program to get private sector cybersecurity workers into the department.

However, the bill approved Wednesday does not include measures to address election cybersecurity. Sens. James Lankford James Paul LankfordMcConnell works to lock down GOP votes for coronavirus bill Charities scramble to plug revenue holes during pandemic Warren calls for Postal Service board members to fire DeJoy or resign MORE (R-Okla.) and Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisSocial Security and Medicare are on the ballot this November Harris honors Ginsburg, visits Supreme Court The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump and Biden vie for Minnesota | Early voting begins in four states | Blue state GOP governors back Susan Collins MORE (D-Calif.) planned to introduce an amendment addressing to the issue to the bill, but Lankford was forced to withdraw the amendment after some secretaries of state expressed concerns.

The measure was aimed at improving information sharing between Homeland Security and state election officials on cybersecurity threats to U.S. voting infrastructure.