April 17, 2013

New Dems: Proactive Approach to Combat Cyber Threats, Protect Privacy

Today, leaders of the New Democrat Coalition, chaired by Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03), recognized substantial improvements to H.R.624, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, and urged their colleagues to support final passage.

“Every day, foreign governments, terrorist organizations, and criminal groups attack our cyber networks in both the public and private sectors.  To keep America safe, our nation must take a proactive approach and implement the necessary measures to combat cyber threats.

“New Democrats substantially improved CISPA during the Intelligence Committee mark-up to require government minimization of personally identifiable information and narrow the scope for use of such information.  The Obama Administration also supported these changes.   However, we understand more changes should be made. We urge members to support efforts to further improve privacy protections during floor consideration of CISPA, and we are pleased that several amendments introduced by New Democrats to strengthen privacy protections, oversight, and accountability will be considered.  

“Recognizing that our country cannot afford to delay this legislation to help protect against cyber-attacks, New Dem leaders urge a yes vote on the amended bill.”

In addition to the amended bill, the New Democrat Coalition leaders urge their colleagues to support the McCaul-Rogers-Ruppersberger-Thompson amendment that would set civilian control of private data submitted to the federal government.

Statement supported by New Dem Leadership Members, led by Chair Representative Ron Kind(WI-03), and Vice-Chairs Representatives Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Rick Larsen (WA-02).

The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country. 

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