Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, the second amendment deals with cybersecurity standards. At the end of 2016, the DOD issued important updated cybersecurity standards for defense contractors. Companies must implement these new standards by January 1, 2018. However, I have heard from a number of small manufacturers in my district that it is very difficult getting the information and expertise necessary to institute these standards. They fear this may mean the end of their companies. America cannot afford to lose these small businesses, so my amendment encourages the Secretary of Defense to establish a cooperative program between the DOD and MIST to educate and assist small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms in achieving compliance with the updated cybersecurity standards. This would help improve cybersecurity access across the defense supply chain while also preserving competition for DOD contracts. It has received broad support from the business and technology community. Mr. Chair, I thank the chair and ranking member for supporting these two amendments in this bloc and the next. I ask my colleagues to support these amendments.”