Political Quotes

“I rise as chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee to engage with the ranking member of the subcommittee to clarify some apparent confusion on the continuing resolution provision regarding cyber security. The language in section 137 of this continuing resolution regarding cyber security is explicit and clear. The phrase that is apparently in question refers solely to improvements in the Federal Network Security program. Federal Network Security is a limited program that provides security systems on Federal government networks. No funds or language expand any Department of Homeland Security authorities. And, none of the funds or language in section 137 have anything to do with regulation of private sector infrastructure, and we have confirmed that in writing with the Department of Homeland Security. Without this provision, the program will be suspended due to lack of available funding and the monitoring of Federal civilian networks will be delayed by as much as 6 months, leaving them vulnerable to infiltration and subsequent breach--and that is all we are trying to prevent with this provision. Federal systems are increasingly targeted by individuals, sophisticated criminal organizations, and nation states that desire to do us harm. There were 106,000 cyber security incidents on Federal and other systems reported in 2011. We should not postpone critical investments to secure Federal systems.…”