Rep. James Langevin (D-R.I.) said yesterday the consequences of Congress’ inaction on comprehensive cybersecurity legislation are “perilously high,” arguing Republicans should relent and allow the government to set standards for securing critical infrastructure.
Speaking at a West Point military academy conference yesterday, Langevin maintained it “is somewhat ironic that the place where government can do the greatest good to protect the American people has become perhaps the greatest sticking point in the cyber debate,” according to his prepared remarks before the closed event.
Langevin noted that just in 2009 a bipartisan commission he co-chaired agreed the government should be in charge of setting standards and guidance for securing critical infrastructure, including electrical grids and banks.
The congressman, an early advocate in Congress for cybersecurity legislation, said the debate over such government mandates “has become one of the primary stumbling blocks in both the House and Senate” for passing a comprehensive cybersecurity package. Republicans in both chambers have resisted such government standards.
“While I remain hopeful that the Senate will reach a compromise that allows meaningful progress this year, time is running out, and we must redouble our efforts,” Langevin said. “The consequences of inaction are perilously high.”
His comments came in the wake of news reports about a U.S.-Israeli cyber offensive against Iran and the multiple dangers of Internet attacks on society.
Langevin supported a Republican bill in the House–the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA)–that did not include government mandates for critical infrastructure and is opposed by the White House. CISPA is intended to encourage and help the government and private companies to join together to fight cyber attacks.
Langevin, though, has said CISPA is not perfect and yesterday reiterated his call for a comprehensive bill. He supports wide-reaching Senate legislation from Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I/D-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) that calls for the government to set standards for critical infrastructure. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has said the Senate will take up the Lieberman-Collins bill.
Langevin addressed West Point’s 49th Annual Senior Conference, titled America’s Prosperity and Security in a Networked World: Challenges and Prospects.
The congressman, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said there is a “growing consensus” on Capitol Hill regarding the need to address cybersecurity. Yet he said “there is still a gulf in opinions about the role of government in cybersecurity” that “has become an increasingly daunting barrier to the comprehensive reforms.”
He cited additional cubersecurity matters that Congress has not considered but he believes are important, including establishing “a strong, central coordinating authority based in the White House.” He said is “pleased” his Republican colleagues have pledged to work with him on creating a National Office for Cyberspace.