Jim Baird: “I am tremendously honored that they have chosen to include my computer security bill, which establishes a research and…”

“I am tremendously honored that they have chosen to include my computer security bill, which establishes a research and development program on computer and network security grants to the National Institute of Standards and Technology in today's bill. The chairman's legislation will address long-term needs in securing the Nation's information infrastructure as well as securing or strengthening the security of the nonclassified computer systems of Federal agencies. Because of September 11, focus and attention has been focused in an unprecedented way on increasing our security against terrorism. Today, security has to mean more than locking doors and installing metal detectors. In addition to physical security, virtual systems that are vital to the Nation's economy must be protected. Telecommunications and computer technologies are vulnerable to attack from far away by enemies who can remain anonymous, hidden in the vast maze of the Internet. Examples of systems that rely on computer networks include the electric power grid, rail networks, and financial transaction networks.”