OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

The Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative

Floor Speech

Date: July 10, 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Technology and Communication Defense

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Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, in early 2008, President Bush established the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative to address cyberattacks on federal networks and President Obama has committed to fully continue this effort under his administration.

Awareness of our vulnerabilities to cyberattack and the need for action is nearly universal and goes beyond party lines.

The seriousness of this situation was brought into focus this week, when it was revealed a powerful attack overwhelmed computers at U.S. and South Korean government Web sites.

Other targets included the National Security Agency, the State Department, and the New York Stock Exchange.

It is our responsibility as a Congress--and my commitment as a member of the House Science and Technology Committee--to ensure we get this issue right, and ensure taxpayer dollars provide a return in the form of lasting and effective security, while also protecting privacy.

The need is real, the threat is present and clear, and I want to make sure our country is prepared.

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