[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JARED POLIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2010

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4061) to 
     advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical 
     standards, and for other purposes:

  Mr. POLIS. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 
4061, the Cybersecurity Act of 2009.
  I would like to thank Chairman Gordon, his staff, and Representative 
Lipinski for their leadership on a critical, bipartisan bill that will 
train the experts we need to tackle tomorrow's challenges and enable 
the United States to stay competitive in the realm of cybersecurity.
  In a world of blogs and widgets, smart phones and e-mail, we are a 
global community growing ever closer and interconnected. The average 
citizen cannot help but be a part of an extended electronic family. 
Technological progress has enhanced our personal and work lives, 
regardless of our job or position.
  As someone who has founded and run several small businesses, I can 
speak to the advantages of working in this age of e-commerce and how it 
has improved my ability to represent Colorado's Second Congressional 
District.
  My amendment expands the proposed internship opportunities available 
to participants in the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program to 
include placements in the private sector. I believe it will serve 
tomorrow's cybersecurity professionals and our national security 
interests to open up this program to a diversity of experience. For the 
future recipients of these scholarships, it will provide the occasion 
to serve not only in the Federal technology workforce, but also at the 
abundance of small, medium, and large businesses that help to make up 
our nation's economy.
  My district provides a clear illustration of where institutions of 
higher education, small businesses, and the Federal Government can 
cooperate to benefit each other and the rest of the nation.
  We have a thriving community of startups, lower than average 
unemployment, and a history of growing small businesses. With the 
collaboration of budding cybersecurity professionals from the 
University of Colorado, in Boulder, these companies can benefit from 
their education and, in turn, impart the practical knowledge that will 
build each student's portfolio of experiences.
  Having gained and grown from these experiences, I am positive that 
their education in the private sector will help to provide unique 
solutions to daunting tasks during their time in the Federal 
Government. What originally seemed like a strategy only applicable to a 
small high-tech company in Boulder, can now serve as a useful tool when 
confronted with the task of fending off cyber attacks.
  The state of cybersecurity is fast becoming one of the great 
challenges of the 21st century. It is apparent that despite increased 
spending on research and development, our technological infrastructure 
is still vulnerable. China's recent intrusion into Google's operations 
should serve as a call to preparedness for both the private sector and 
the Federal Government.
  This past May, President Obama's ``Cyberspace Policy Review'' 
highlighted the importance of developing partnerships between the 
Federal Government and the private sector. We must heed his call to 
broaden the scope of our experience. The limits of cyber growth are 
constantly expanding and, consequently, so must our plans to address 
the plethora of issues that crop up.
  As Secretary Clinton put it recently, ``the Internet, though a 
blessing, can be a threat to those who would fall prey to cyber 
terrorism.'' It is our job as inventors and stewards of the Internet to 
ensure unhindered access to information and technology that enriches 
the lives of everyone. By boosting our training capabilities we are 
ensuring a safe and free Internet experience, informed by the latest 
discoveries and implemented by practiced professionals.
  This amendment helps to guarantee that we are addressing the long-
term challenges inherent to cyber security. It will create ties with 
the private sector and cultivate a workforce with a skill set that will 
serve in a variety of scenarios.
  Madam Chair, this amendment and this bill are critical to protecting 
our nation's sensitive information, ensuring a competent cybersecurity 
workforce and boosting our economic competitiveness. I urge passage of 
this amendment and the underlying bill.

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