RSC Members Back FBI, Demand Action Against Ransomware Gangs Shutting Down American Hospitals

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Republican Study Committee (RSC) today announced that Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22) is leading a coalition of House Republicans in a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel urging proactive action against criminal networks targeting America's healthcare system and expressing strong support for the bureau's ongoing efforts to combat these threats.

The letter follows the FBI's release of new guidance to help healthcare organizations strengthen safety planning, and comes as a former FBI cyber chief recently urged Congress to consider applying terrorism designations to ransomware actors targeting critical infrastructure.

“For decades, our healthcare infrastructure has been under attack,” said Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22). “We must do everything in our power to protect our hospital systems and healthcare providers from cyberattacks, which jeopardize patients’ lives and cost healthcare systems millions of dollars. I’m proud to lead a letter to FBI Director Patel, applauding his recent actions to address the growing threats that target our healthcare infrastructure, and urging him to deploy every tool available to combat cyberattacks from criminal organizations.” 

RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) praised Rep. Nehls for his leadership:

"The threat to America's healthcare infrastructure is real, it is growing, and it demands aggressive action. When ransomware gangs can shut down a hospital and put patients' lives on the line, that is a national security threat. The RSC is proud to stand with Rep. Nehls in backing the FBI's efforts and demanding every available tool be used against these criminal networks."

The letter was signed by Reps. Aaron Bean (FL-04), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Elijah Crane (AZ-02), Lance Gooden (TX-05), John Moolenaar (MI-02), and August Pfluger (TX-11).

Background:
Cyberattacks targeting hospitals have evolved from isolated data breaches into large-scale ransomware operations, with the FBI reporting 460 ransomware attacks against the health care sector in 2025 alone, more than any other critical infrastructure sector, as these attacks increasingly disrupt critical medical systems, delay patient care, and threaten patient safety nationwide. As attacks grow more sophisticated and more frequent, federal action is not optional.