McCaul Speaks at the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was invited to speak at the 10th Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum to discuss international terrorism and the importance of cybersecurity.

Congressman McCaul: "Today, we face a new set of national security challenges. And with technological advancements, lethal threats can break through barriers and climb over borders at lightning speed. Now more than ever, we must find ways to work together and prevent our common enemies from attacking our countries and bringing harm to our people. I thank Congressman Pittenger for convening today's forum to discuss these important issues."

McCaul on International Terrorism:

"We must stand united and cooperate with one another to strengthen the security of our airports with the most efficient and advanced technology to screen passengers. The world's most dangerous terrorists, may not be living among us, but many are only one plane ride away. We must also work with private tech companies to limit terrorists' communication capabilities, and use all of our economic and military resources to dry up their funding and destroy them on the battlefield."

McCaul on Cybersecurity:

"The cybersecurity of our respective nations is also under constant attack from those engaged in cyberwarfare. Fortunately, my committee, has made this a top priority.

In 2014, our Committee took bipartisan action and passed legislation to expedite hiring authority at our Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to ensure assessments of its cybersecurity workforce. In 2015, we passed the Cybersecurity Act which provided liability protections for public to private and private to private cyber threat information sharing. And while we have done a lot, we need to do more. That is why the Committee I lead has passed a bill to elevate and operationalize DHS's cyber office to better protect digital America."

Background:

Over the past several years, the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forums have attracted 700 Members of Parliament and government officials from over 70 countries to discuss terrorism financing, cybersecurity, and intelligence collaboration. The 10th Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum has 150 confirmed attendees from 46 countries. Prominent attendees include 3 Speakers of Parliament, 2 Deputy Speaker of Parliament and 20 Ambassadors.

Countries include Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, the United States of America, Uzbekistan, and the Vatican City State.