I think the changes in that bill are essential. You know, they update old legislation from the 1980s, from dial phones and copper wires, to let Government and companies work together better.

If the answer is no, the Congress will have failed.

If I have any advice, it might be to add those 11 pages back in.

having a requirement for people to better authenticate themselves when they log into critical infrastructure networks would be a good step.

the most important step that we are not taking is thinking about how to deal with the issues of critical infrastructure vulnerability.

But the ultimate test will be: Do you give the Government more authority to mandate security, to protect critical infrastructure facilities?

I think a lot of people were surprised when we saw the amendment. The easiest way to describe it is the original bill was, I believe, 45 pages and the amended bill was 34 pages.

The greatest threat to cybersecurity in America, however, is complacency.

The American people are demanding that we act.

I hope and pray that any bill that this committee puts on the floor will send an unmistakable message that the United States House of Representatives, the body of the people, speaks in a clear voice for safety.

I have serious concerns about the effect of the recent budget cuts on taxpayers, tax collection, and Agency operations.

Congress needs to act, and we need to act now.