McCaul to Hold Hearing Tomorrow Examining DHS' Cybersecurity Roles and Responsibilities

Mar 06, 2013 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- Washington, D.C. - The House Committee on Homeland Security, chaired by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), will hold a hearing entitled "DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical Infrastructure" tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in 311 Cannon House Office Building.

At the hearing, Secretary Napolitano will testify regarding the Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity mission, capabilities, and needed capacity building to ensure the safety of the nation's critical infrastructure from cyber attack. Members of the private sector will also share their perspectives on the role of DHS in facilitating the cybersecurity of privately owned and operated critical infrastructure.

Chairman McCaul on the hearing: "Advances in technology that connect utilities, industries and information in real time have changed the nature of the threats facing our homeland. Digital networks are now a conduit to our gas lines, power grids and transportation systems, therefore enemies throughout the world using the Internet have the potential to silently deliver a devastating cyber attack to our country.

"Tomorrow's hearing will examine cyber threats facing the United States and explore how Congress can build upon the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to prevent cyber attacks in a way that promotes U.S. commerce, while not hindering its expansion. The public sector and privately owned companies that make up our critical infrastructure are up to the challenge-and Congress must aid them in creating lines of communication that will enhance our ability to see and stop destructive digital warfare.

"In recent months we have seen worldwide cyber attacks against the U.S. come to light, and it has never been more important for us to work together to defend against them." Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Meehan on the hearing: "Our critical infrastructure - our banks, energy suppliers, communications, transportation and health care networks - is more vulnerable to cyberattack than ever before. The recent denial of service attacks on our nation's banks demonstrates that America's adversaries are developing the tools capable of causing widespread disruption.

"Tomorrow's hearing will give the committee's members an opportunity to examine in-depth the steps our government is taking to prevent these attacks, and the actions that still need to be taken to ensure our nation's security and continued prosperity." WEDNESDAY, March 6 at 10:30 a.m.

Full Committee DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical Infrastructure 311 Cannon House Office Building Witness List: Panel I Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Panel II Mr. Anish Bhimani, Chairman, Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center Mr. Gary W. Hayes, Chief Information Officer, Centerpoint Energy Mr. Dean Garfield, President and Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Industry Council Ms. Michelle Richardson, Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union Opening statements, witness testimony, and the live video feed will be available HERE http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/dhs-cybersecurity-roles-and-responsibilities-protect-nations-critical-infrastructure.

Read this original document at: http://homeland.house.gov/press-release/mccaul-hold-hearing-tomorrow-examining-dhs%E2%80%99-cybersecurity-roles-and-responsibilities

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