Congressman Rick Larsen introduced a bill that, if passed, will help get cutting-edge electronic-warfare technology to the Navy and other service branches faster.

The bill, the Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act, acknowledges the need to treat the electromagnetic spectrum as a critical operational domain and would create a more coordinated approach to electronic warfare investment at the Pentagon.

The military faces a wide range of threats — everything from terrorist groups that use cheap, commercially-available technology to rival nations deploying innovative electronics, said Larsen, who co-sponsored the bill with Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana.

They are co-chairs of the Electronic Warfare Group, which attempts to raise the profile of electronic warfare issues.

The Department of Defense established the group to strengthen the country’s defense. Both also serve on the House Armed Services Committee.

“Too often our women and men in uniform are using outdated technology in the increasingly contested electromagnetic spectrum,” he said. “The way we develop, buy and roll out EW technology must focus on getting the right capabilities fielded more quickly.”

As the military relies more on technology, the U.S. needs to ensure those systems aren’t vulnerable to hacking, jamming and other forms of electronic warfare, Walorski said. The bill would give Congress the tools to properly fund and provide resources for electronic warfare programs.

“In the global and now digital fight against terrorism, we cannot ignore the serious ramifications of failing to keep up with the ever changing pace of military technology,” she said.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is the home of the Navy’s tactical electronic attack squadrons flying the EA-18G Growler. The Growler protects other aircraft, ships and troops by neutralizing communications and anti-aircraft defenses. No aircraft carrier deploys without them. Navy officials at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and in Washington D.C. declined to comment on the significance of the bill.

“It is Navy policy not to comment on pending legislation,” said Kara Yingling, a spokeswoman for the Navy’s Office of the Chief of Information.

“However, the Navy remains committed to working with Congress to further advance our electronic warfare technology to better meet today’s force demands.”

The bill is a companion to Senate bill 2486.