On the recordJune 27, 2012
I rise today because we have introduced a new version of the Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information and Technology Act of 2012, a bill known as the SECURE IT Act. Senator McCain and I, along with Senators Chambliss, Grassley, Murkowski, Coats, Burr, and Johnson, are reintroducing the SECURE IT Act after making improvements and clarifications in response to constructive feedback we received from the first bill we introduced. We are employing rule XIV on this bill because it is clear it will not receive the benefit of the traditional committee process, and the majority leader has indicated he intends to debate this issue on the Senate floor in July. What those of us who are cosponsors of this bill are trying to do is have our version of a cybersecurity bill on the floor, introduced, so that everyone will be able to see it. Then, when the Senate turns to this issue, we will be able to see the differences between the bills. The sponsors of our bill include eight ranking members of committees and subcommittees that have jurisdiction over cybersecurity. We have combined our expertise to develop a balanced piece of legislation that we believe will greatly enhance our country's cybersecurity of the infrastructure that could be affected. We believe it is now time for Congress to act.…
