Response from Senator Saxby Chambliss about the Cybersecurity Act of 2012

Dear Mr. Smith:

Thank you for contacting me regarding cybersecurity legislation. Your taking time to contact me is appreciated.

S. 2105, the "Cybersecurity Act of 2012," was introduced on February 14, 2012.  This legislation would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with owners and operators of critical infrastructure, the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council, and other federal agencies and private sector entities, to conduct a top-level assessment of cybersecurity risks to determine which sectors face the greatest immediate risk.  In addition, DHS would be required to identify or develop risk-based cybersecurity performance requirements as well as implement cyber response and restoration plans.

Today there are increasing threats of espionage and attacks over the internet that threaten our national security.  However, I understand your concerns regarding increased government regulation of the internet.  Therefore, I recently joined several of my colleagues to introduce S. 2151, the "Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology (SECURE IT) Act of 2012."  This legislation would improve our cybersecurity without increasing the size of the federal government, creating burdensome regulations that hamper the private sector, or adding to the enormous national debt.

Furthermore, on April 26, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3523, the "Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act."  This legislation currently resides in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

I am hopeful that the Senate will recognize the importance of enhancing our cybersecurity in a responsible manner by supporting the SECURE IT Act.   As the Senate considers future cybersecurity legislation, including S. 2105, S. 2151, or H.R. 3523, I will keep your comments in mind.