Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 4061. Recent attacks on Government networks have served to increase awareness that cybersecurity is not just about protecting computers, but also has implications for U.S. national security and economic well- being. Without confidence in our Nation's internet infrastructure and data security, I am concerned that our country will not be able to climb out of the current economic climate. As such, I was pleased when President Obama declared in a speech in May 2009 that U.S. critical information infrastructures are a ``Strategic National Asset''. Unfortunately, since that speech, the Administration's actions have not been indicative of those necessary to protect such a ``Strategic National Asset.'' While I appreciate that the President recently appointed Howard Schmidt as Cyber Coordinator, this appointment was long overdue. Madam Chair, A recent GAO report stated that, ``Pervasive and sustained cyber attacks continue to pose a potentially devastating threat to the systems and operations of the Federal Government.'' The report went on to further state that, ``The ever-increasing dependence of Federal agencies on computerized systems to carry out essential, everyday operations can make them vulnerable to an array of cyber-based risks.…”