As a member of the House Armed Services, Intelligence and, Homeland Security Committees, protecting our national and economic security from cyber threats has been one of my top priorities. When presenting his Cyberspace Policy Review (PDF), President Obama emphasized the importance of this topic, stating, "It's now clear this cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation." - May 29, 2009

Cybersecurity Commission and Presidential Review

In 2008, I was honored to serve as a Co-Chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency. This Commission, made up of dozens of experts from around the country, both in and out of government, was formed to provide a blueprint to the incoming administration for improving the cybersecurity posture of federal systems and our nation's critical infrastructure. It is clear that cybersecurity issues deserve the full attention of our government and I am pleased that our recommendations have assisted President Obama in the formation of a robust strategy that recognizes the urgency and importance of this issue.

I commend the President for making cybersecurity a priority in his young Administration with the quick release of his Cyberspace Policy Review. The White House report is a good starting point for the work that lies ahead and incorporates many of the CSIS recommendations, including increased coordination between the private and public sectors and within various government agencies. Over the coming months, I look forward to working with the new Cyber Coordinator at the White House to fine tune the report's more general recommendations and make sure we are putting this plan into action.

Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus

I am proud to have joined Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) in founding the first-ever Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. This new Caucus was established in September 2008 and has continued on into the 111th Congress. Congressman McCaul and I recognize that while Congress plays a key role in the future of cybersecurity policy, the overlap of committee jurisdictions can sometimes divide the attention and focus of Congress on these issues. We hope that our Caucus will help raise awareness and provide a forum for Members representing different committees of jurisdiction to discuss the challenges in securing cyberspace. Our 2009 inaugural meeting featured Mellissa Hathaway, Cybersecurity Chief at the National Security Council, who provided Members with an update on the progress of her now-completed 60-day review of our nation's cybersecurity. To read a copy of this report visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Cyberspace_Policy_Review_final.pdf(PDF)

House Armed Services Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

In the 111th Congress I returned to the Armed Services Committee and continued my membership on the Intelligence Committee, while taking a leave of absence from the Homeland Security Committee. With my experience on three national security committees, I am able to bring a unique and broad perspective to our efforts to defend our nation from cyber attacks while strengthening the capabilities of our military and intelligence community.

I am excited to see the President work on establishing an office for cybersecurity in the National Security Council to help coordinate our homeland defense, intelligence and military cyber efforts. The Department of Defense's decision to stand up a new unified subcommand on Cybersecurity also shows the critical importance of our information infrastructure to our national defense and our ability to project American military power overseas. I look forward to working within my Committees to continue strong and effective oversight of our cyber defense efforts and assist the Administration in implementing these new efforts.

Homeland Security

Last Congress, I served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. During this time, I held eight hearings on cybersecurity and conducted over a dozen separate investigations. Our work was focused on a broad range of issues, from the security of our nation's electric grid to hacking incidents at government agencies.

I also introduced the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act, which passed the House on July 30, 2008. This legislation represented a small but critical step toward improving the cybersecurity posture at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by addressing two key issues: ensuring a robust defense of our information systems, and holding individuals at all levels accountable for mitigating vulnerabilities. I am also committed to shoring up vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure sectors, from water systems and chemical facilities to financial systems and hospitals. I focused particular attention on the electric grid, and I testified before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality about the need to provide the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with emergency authority to ensure the security of the electric system from cyber attack.

While there is certainly much more work to be done, I am proud of the Subcommittee's accomplishments and I look forward to applying this experience as I return to the Armed Services Committee and continue my membership on the Intelligence Committee.

Raising Awareness

One of the keys to improving cybersecurity in America is raising awareness of the threats facing us and the steps we can take to minimize risk. We know that computer attacks on the systems that run our critical infrastructure could have a devastating impact on the economy, public health, and national security of the United States. It is equally important that users and administrators of computer systems across the spectrum understand what is at stake and what steps are necessary to ensure safety. From local law enforcement officers to corporate CIOs to average home users, we all have a role to play.

I have introduced legislation that supports the goals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and seeks to raise awareness of the importance of computer security in our country. I will also continue to raise these critical issues as I visit with business groups, students, law enforcement officials and anyone else who can join the effort to ensure that cybersecurity is a priority for us all.

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