Bob Kerrey: “The bill is called the Secure Public Networks Act of 1997, and it establishes as a priority that we are going to try…”

“The bill is called the Secure Public Networks Act of 1997, and it establishes as a priority that we are going to try with our law to develop a mechanism whereby, in collaboration with the private sector, the U.S. Government can work to secure these public networks upon which our commerce depends, our Government operations depend, and increasingly our national security depends. Secure public networks are essential to the protection of personal privacy and the promotion of commerce on the Internet and other communications networks. Without trust in the system, the Internet will never reach its full potential as a new form of communications in commerce. I believe there is an urgent need to enact legislation this year which can promote the creation and use of new networks, provide the security American citizens require in their communications and balance America's compelling interest in commerce and public safety.”