Reps. Thornberry and Lofgren Introduce Homeland Cybersecurity and Science & Technology Enhancement L
September 13, 2005
Media Contact: Heather Wong, 202.225.3072
Two bipartisan pieces of legislation to improve the Department of Homeland Security's capacity for protecting critical cyber infrastructure and managing broad science and technology issues were introduced today by U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).
Thornberry is chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research and Development. Lofgren is the subcommittee's ranking member.
Of the cyber legislation, Thornberry said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish the coherent cybersecurity framework essential to our nation's security. "As threats to the cyber infrastructure increase, it is clear that the United States must pay closer attention and do more to protect our cybersecurity."
Lofgren noted the cybersecurity bill has wide support in the technology, education, financial and business sectors. "During the past year and a half, the subcommittee has heard from numerous experts about the need to address the increasing threats and vulnerabilities facing our nation's computer networks and systems. Our legislation will strengthen the Department's cybersecurity efforts and make sure the appropriate person within DHS has the authority and direction to get the job done."
The science and technology bill requires the DHS to establish a program to transfer and commercialize promising technologies for use by the federal, state and local government agencies and the private sector.
"The Science and Technology Directorate is making progress, but we want to help the Department focus on working with the private sector and to establish a formal program to improve the interoperability of public safety communications," said Thornberry.
Lofgren said "being from Silicon Valley, I have seen first hand the amazing things that result from solid research and development. I believe the Department must invest more time, more money and more energy to R&D. Our legislation will help the Department develop the cutting-edge technologies needed to win the war on terror."
Thornberry and Lofgren both noted the urgency of the issues addressed by the two bills and expressed hope for swift passage by the House.
Two bipartisan pieces of legislation to improve the Department of Homeland Security's capacity for protecting critical cyber infrastructure and managing broad science and technology issues were introduced today by U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).
Thornberry is chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research and Development. Lofgren is the subcommittee's ranking member.
Of the cyber legislation, Thornberry said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish the coherent cybersecurity framework essential to our nation's security. "As threats to the cyber infrastructure increase, it is clear that the United States must pay closer attention and do more to protect our cybersecurity."
Lofgren noted the cybersecurity bill has wide support in the technology, education, financial and business sectors. "During the past year and a half, the subcommittee has heard from numerous experts about the need to address the increasing threats and vulnerabilities facing our nation's computer networks and systems. Our legislation will strengthen the Department's cybersecurity efforts and make sure the appropriate person within DHS has the authority and direction to get the job done."
The science and technology bill requires the DHS to establish a program to transfer and commercialize promising technologies for use by the federal, state and local government agencies and the private sector.
"The Science and Technology Directorate is making progress, but we want to help the Department focus on working with the private sector and to establish a formal program to improve the interoperability of public safety communications," said Thornberry.
Lofgren said "being from Silicon Valley, I have seen first hand the amazing things that result from solid research and development. I believe the Department must invest more time, more money and more energy to R&D. Our legislation will help the Department develop the cutting-edge technologies needed to win the war on terror."
Thornberry and Lofgren both noted the urgency of the issues addressed by the two bills and expressed hope for swift passage by the House.
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