The bill comes amid heightened concern in Washington over the apparently by operatives based in China.

The attacks have prompted calls for the U.S. to develop a formal cybersecurity strategy that is focused on shoring up defenses while building out a cyber offensive capabilities.

The Rockerfeller-Snowe legislation is one of two major bills that have been proposed in Congress recently. The other bill is called the , and is sponsored by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

The bill, introduced in the Senate earlier this week, seeks to curtail aid, financial help and trade programs with countries that are seen as havens for cybercriminals. It has already garnered industry support from the likes of American Express, Mastercard, Visa , eBay, , and , Gillibrand's office said.

Meanwhile, a separate proposal is being floated among lawmakers and the U.S. State Department for the creation of an at the United Nations and for ensuring the country has a consistent international policy on the issue.