McCaul Helps Launch Cybersecurity Enhancement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C – Taking a necessary step to help safeguard America’s critical infrastructure from the escalation of cyber attacks, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) joined a bipartisan coalition to introduce the Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2009. Rep. McCaul is the lead Republican sponsor of the bill.

“One of the key issues we face when dealing with cybersecurity is the lack of an adequately trained workforce, both in the government and in the private sector,” Rep. McCaul said during the bill’s markup on the Science and Technology Committee. “This legislation will ultimately ensure that we are prepared to take proper steps to secure our most sensitive computer networks from those who intend to hack into our systems, steal sensitive information and jeopardize our economy and national security.”

H.R. 4061 improves cybersecurity research and development and coordination between the federal government, academia and private sector. Further, it gives the National Institute of Standards and Technology authority to develop guidelines federal agencies must meet to secure their own networks. An amendment added by Rep. McCaul ensures that the government can use the latest private sector software available.

The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act encompasses key recommendations of a report issued by the Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency, co-chaired by Congressman McCaul, and which was presented to President Obama upon taking office. Rep. McCaul and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), worked with dozens of the best and brightest private sector experts and government officials to develop recommendations to secure cyberspace and protect our national interests.