Jim Sensenbrenner: “Mr. Speaker, our society has become technologically dependent. Computers and related technologies have improved every…”

“Mr. Speaker, our society has become technologically dependent. Computers and related technologies have improved every aspect of our lives, our health care, our education, and our security. Unfortunately, this same technology has also facilitated terrorist and criminal activity alike. At the stroke of a key, someone can cause millions of dollars of damage to our economy as well as threaten our national security and the public's safety. This threat is not new; but after the September 11 attacks, the risks are greater. Even prior to the attacks, the Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security was working on legislation to improve Federal law to protect the Nation from cybercrime and cyberterrorism. Last summer, the subcommittee held three hearings on the growing threat of cybercrime and cyberterrorism. Those hearings highlighted the fact that cybercrime knows no borders or restraints and can substantially harm the American people and our economy. The law enforcement officials and private industry representatives at the hearings agreed that better coordination, cooperation and information-sharing were needed as well as stronger penalties for cyberattacks.”