Cybersecurity Enhancement Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

Cybersecurity Enhancement Act Of 2009

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4061) to advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical standards, and for other purposes:

* Mr. POLIS. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Act of 2009.

* I would like to thank Chairman GORDON, his staff, and Representative LIPINSKI for their leadership on a critical, bipartisan bill that will train the experts we need to tackle tomorrow's challenges and enable the United States to stay competitive in the realm of cybersecurity.

* In a world of blogs and widgets, smart phones and e-mail, we are a global community growing ever closer and interconnected. The average citizen cannot help but be a part of an extended electronic family. Technological progress has enhanced our personal and work lives, regardless of our job or position.

* As someone who has founded and run several small businesses, I can speak to the advantages of working in this age of e-commerce and how it has improved my ability to represent Colorado's Second Congressional District.

* My amendment expands the proposed internship opportunities available to participants in the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program to include placements in the private sector. I believe it will serve tomorrow's cybersecurity professionals and our national security interests to open up this program to a diversity of experience. For the future recipients of these scholarships, it will provide the occasion to serve not only in the Federal technology workforce, but also at the abundance of small, medium, and large businesses that help to make up our nation's economy.

* My district provides a clear illustration of where institutions of higher education, small businesses, and the Federal Government can cooperate to benefit each other and the rest of the nation.

* We have a thriving community of startups, lower than average unemployment, and a history of growing small businesses. With the collaboration of budding cybersecurity professionals from the University of Colorado, in Boulder, these companies can benefit from their education and, in turn, impart the practical knowledge that will build each student's portfolio of experiences.

* Having gained and grown from these experiences, I am positive that their education in the private sector will help to provide unique solutions to daunting tasks during their time in the Federal Government. What originally seemed like a strategy only applicable to a small high-tech company in Boulder, can now serve as a useful tool when confronted with the task of fending off cyber attacks.

* The state of cybersecurity is fast becoming one of the great challenges of the 21st century. It is apparent that despite increased spending on research and development, our technological infrastructure is still vulnerable. China's recent intrusion into Google's operations should serve as a call to preparedness for both the private sector and the Federal Government.

* This past May, President Obama's ``Cyberspace Policy Review'' highlighted the importance of developing partnerships between the Federal Government and the private sector. We must heed his call to broaden the scope of our experience. The limits of cyber growth are constantly expanding and, consequently, so must our plans to address the plethora of issues that crop up.

* As Secretary Clinton put it recently, ``the Internet, though a blessing, can be a threat to those who would fall prey to cyber terrorism.'' It is our job as inventors and stewards of the Internet to ensure unhindered access to information and technology that enriches the lives of everyone. By boosting our training capabilities we are ensuring a safe and free Internet experience, informed by the latest discoveries and implemented by practiced professionals.

* This amendment helps to guarantee that we are addressing the long-term challenges inherent to cyber security. It will create ties with the private sector and cultivate a workforce with a skill set that will serve in a variety of scenarios.

* Madam Chair, this amendment and this bill are critical to protecting our nation's sensitive information, ensuring a competent cybersecurity workforce and boosting our economic competitiveness. I urge passage of this amendment and the underlying bill.

Source