Congressman Langevin, Senator King Hold Call With Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman

Statement

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement regarding their call with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to discuss the Department's upcoming announcement regarding international cybersecurity policy:

"Tonight, Deputy Secretary Sherman laid out the State Department's plan to create Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy as well as a Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology. We are in complete alignment with the Biden administration's approach, which is exactly the kind of move we need to better coordinate cyber diplomacy and set international norms around cybersecurity. In particular, we were pleased to hear that the new bureau will be responsible for overseeing international cybersecurity, digital policy, and digital freedom while matters of critical and emerging technology will be handled by a separate special envoy.

"Secretary Blinken's vision for preparing the State Department to meet the challenges of the 21st century is a further demonstration of his commitment to strengthening the United States' posture in cyberspace. We look forward to working together with the State Department to establish these new authorities in statute and provide the necessary tools to the Department, resulting in the long-term viability of this new Bureau.

"As such, we made sure to convey the urgency of passing the Cyber Diplomacy Act to Deputy Secretary Sherman, and we were glad that she committed to continuing to work with Congress. The Cyber Diplomacy Act, introduced by Congressmen McCaul and Meeks, has already passed the House of Representatives, and we remain committed to working with the State Department and advancing that legislation through the Senate and onto President Biden's desk.

"We sincerely thank Secretary Blinken, Deputy Secretary Sherman, and their entire team for their vision and leadership, and we look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Sherman as she heads up this new initiative.

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