[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6495-S6496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CYBER SECURITY

  Mr. COATS. Madam President, yesterday Senator Landrieu, chairman of 
the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, and I entered a 
colloquy into the Record, and I would like to explain very briefly what 
it was we were attempting to do.
  This is essentially to clarify a provision regarding cyber security 
that is incorporated in the continuing resolution, which we will be 
taking up here shortly. I understand there has been

[[Page S6496]]

confusion over section 137 as to whether the language that is now 
incorporated in the CR expands DHS authority or allows implementation 
of a potential Executive order pertaining to cyber security. The answer 
to that question is no, absolutely not. The provision is limited to 
funding improvements in the Federal Network Security Program, which 
provides security systems that monitor cyber attacks on Federal 
Government computer networks. It helps enhance the protection for those 
existing networks that are in place.
  It is important that both the House and Senate homeland security 
appropriations bills included this additional funding, and it is 
considered so critical, it was added to the continuing resolution so 
that this implementation can continue without interruption. It does so 
because these networks are constantly under attack by individuals and 
groups and others who could cause real problems and real harm to our 
country.
  So let me be very clear on the language that has been agreed on in a 
bipartisan basis and what the colloquy said. This provision does not 
intrude upon the authorizers' jurisdiction. This provision does not 
have anything to do with the regulation of private sector 
infrastructure. DHS has confirmed that in writing. And this provision 
does not enable a new Executive order in any way. I would be the first 
to object to this language if that were the case, and I believe we have 
now remedied any confusion that might exist over that particular 
language.
  I am hopeful that even though we were not able to ultimately pass and 
incorporate workable cyber protection language, that we can continue to 
work together.
  I wish to thank the chair of the Appropriations Homeland Security 
Subcommittee, Senator Landrieu, for joining me and clarifying this 
important provision included in the continuing resolution.
  With that, I wish to thank my colleague from Rhode Island for 
allowing me the time, and unfortunately his good presentation was 
interrupted. I thank my colleague for the time to clarify that.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I am very happy to allow my 
colleague from Indiana the time, and I appreciate his good work on 
cyber security and hope that he and I and others can work toward a 
legislative solution on that.

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