Barbara Mikulski

I am concerned every day about the number of people out there, with the great intellectual entrepreneurship of our country, that are coming up with new ideas and new products to create the new jobs for the 21st century.

It is time now for a new, fresh national debate.

We in Maryland feel we are at the epicenter of cybersecurity because we have the National Security headquartered there.

I have been urging my colleagues that before they draw a conclusion and go public with that conclusion, they first learn about the counterterrorism program.

People do have a right to know. People have a right to say their voices. That is why we responded.

There is no attempt here to muzzle, stifle any Senator from asking any line of questions.

Any Senator can ask any question at this hearing that they want to.

We have Senator Leahy from the Judiciary Committee, well versed on the issues of law on cybersecurity.

We need to prevent hackers, nation-states, and criminals from stealing our cyber identities.

We need to make sure we spend the money well.

We need to make sure that the American people know what our programs are, know what we are spending our money for.

I think the intel community, which is primarily particularly a DOD civilian force--you need that flexibility.

I want to acknowledge the work of Senator Durbin and the Ranking Member Cochran on Defense.

We do not want that to happen as we move forward in this cyber domain.

We could have no greater champion than Senator Mikulski and we thank her--and you--for the bipartisan support this committee has demonstrated for higher education opportunities for our active duty military forces and their families.

All of Maryland is reeling from this. One, the National Security Agency is in our State.

Perhaps other members of Congress should be briefed on this because, Anderson, they're being blindsided by all of this right now.

We're a little sick and tired of this idea that only the people on the Intelligence Committees are briefed on this.

My concern is that this will have a chilling effect on morale.

Chairwoman Mikulski, Ranking Member Shelby, and members of the subcommittee, I would like to close by thanking you for this opportunity to discuss the FBI's priorities.

Today, all eyes are on Boston. We just sustained the first terrorist attack on the United States since 9/11.

Director Mueller is one of the nighthawks, always ready for that 3 a.m. phone call.

Your leadership has transformed the FBI from a domestic law enforcement agency into a global antiterrorism and anticrime police force.

It has been a remarkable transformation. And it's occurred under your leadership, organizationally a phenomenal feat, and under your stewardship.

What would have happened in Boston if we had been under furloughs?