[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4061, 
the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, which addresses the recommendations 
of the Cyberspace Policy Review to improve cybersecurity in the 
Federal, private, and public sectors.
  I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Gordon for 
their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I 
would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Lipinski, who 
authored this legislation that will result in the development and 
implementation of a strategic plan guiding the overall direction of 
Federal cybersecurity and information assurance research and 
development.
  As a former member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on 
Emergency Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have 
been concerned about these issues. The rapid development of information 
technology has led to increased connectivity and productivity that has 
greatly benefited the U.S. economy. However, with these great advances 
comes the disadvantage of increased vulnerability of our information 
technology infrastructure. Reports of cyber crime, hacking, and viruses 
has steadily risen, heightening concerns over the adequacy of our 
cybersecurity measures and the need for further research and 
development.
  My district, the 37th district of California, is heavily dependent on 
technology and computing networks, so I am pleased that H.R. 4061 is a 
bill that will improve cybersecurity in the Federal, private, and 
public sectors. This legislation achieves this goal by developing a 
skilled cybersecurity workforce, coordinating and prioritizing the 
Federal R&D portfolio, improving the transfer of cybersecurity 
technologies to the marketplace, promoting cybersecurity education and 
awareness for the general public, and coordinating U.S. representation 
in the development of international cybersecurity technical standards. 
My district, the 37th district of California, is heavily dependent on 
technology and computing networks, so I am pleased that . . .
  In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I support this legislation because with 
our increasing reliance on the internet, we need to make sure our cyber 
systems are secure. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to 
promote these improvements and adequately fund the areas of government 
responsible for our cybersecurity.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 
4061.

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