House FISMA-Reform And Cyber R&D Bills Mark Encouraging Step Forward

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC -- April 16, 2013 -- BSA | The Software Alliance today applauded a trio of bills passed by the US House of Representatives to better defend government computer networks against cyber-attacks and increase investment and coordination of research and development efforts related to cybersecurity.

The bills included the Federal Information Security Amendments Act of 2013 (H.R. 1163), sponsored by Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.); the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2013 (H.R. 756), sponsored by Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) in the Science, Space and Technology Committee; and the Advancing America's Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012 (H.R. 967), sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), also in the Science Committee.

"Passing these three bills is an encouraging first step toward significantly upgrading America's cybersecurity capabilities," said BSA President and CEO Robert Holleyman. "Chairman Issa's bill will allow federal agencies to be more nimble and adaptive in protecting their networks. That is an important tactical shift -- and it's a signal that the government is ready to lead by example on cybersecurity. The cyber R&D bills sponsored by Reps. McCaul and Lummis bills are also important, because they will commit more resources to spur technology innovation, which is the best defense we have in the face of a rapidly evolving threat landscape."

"Now we look forward to the House turning its full attention to CISPA," Holleyman said. "Members of Congress have an opportunity to improve our ability to anticipate and defend against cyber-attacks by allowing the public and private sectors to share cyber threat information while protecting people's privacy and civil liberties."

About BSA

BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading global advocate for the software industry. It is an association of world-class companies that invest billions of dollars annually to create software solutions that spark the economy and improve modern life. Through international government relations, intellectual property enforcement and educational activities, BSA expands the horizons of the digital world and builds trust and confidence in the new technologies driving it forward.