Homeland Security Network Defense And Sccountability Act Of 2008

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 5983, the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act, sponsored by my committee colleague Congressman James Langevin.

H.R. 5983 includes several provisions designated to enhance the information security of the Department of Homeland Security and improve oversight of contractors that provide network services to the Department.

Specifically, the bill requires the Chief Information Officer at the Department to have 5 years of executive leadership and information technology experience. The bill also mandates that all contractors and service providers for the Department have compatible information security policies and programs.

Additionally, the bill directs the Department's Inspector General to develop appropriate security protocols for the Department and to annually test various aspects of the Department against these protocols as well as Federal Information Security Management Act requirements. The bill requires procurement officers to review contractors' security postures prior to awarding a contract and directs the Inspector General to conduct both performance and programmatic reviews of the Department's computer network. The bill does not exempt the Department from Federal Information Security Management Act requirements but directs DHS to focus its efforts on elements that will improve its overall security posture.

DHS has expressed some concerns about the potential impact of the added responsibilities under the bill, particularly on the Department's ability to recruit and retain qualified individuals to fill these important positions. I hope that we can address these concerns as the legislative process moves forward.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 5983 to strengthen the security of information at the Department.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and if the gentleman from Florida has no more speakers, then I am prepared to close after the gentleman closes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the balance of my time, I just want to emphasize how important I believe it is for the House to consider both an authorization and appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security this year. Every Republican member of the Committee on Homeland Security has signed a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to bring the fiscal year 2009 DHS appropriations bill, which the Appropriations Committee has already approved under the fine leadership of our chairman, and our chairman has done an outstanding job.

And, Mr. Chairman, I want to say something else. You have been so fair to my colleagues and me this year, and I really enjoy serving on your committee.

So if we could get those bills to the floor immediately, my colleagues and I would appreciate it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source