American Chemistry Council Throws Support Behind Carper, Lieberman, Collins Cybersecurity Legislation

WASHINGTON – The Senate sponsors of comprehensive, bipartisan, risk-based cybersecurity legislation on Thursday acknowledged appreciation for a letter of support from the American Chemistry Council, which lauded the bill, Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act, S. 3480.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management Subcommittee Chairman Thomas Carper, D-Del., Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me. welcomed this additional vote of support from a major national industry trade association.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. 

 In a statement, ACC’s senior director of security, Bill Erny, said:  "We commend Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins and Senator Carper for their leadership in developing this comprehensive approach to protecting our critical cyber-infrastructure. The bill approved by the Senate Homeland Security Committee will go a long way toward building upon the rigorous security regulations already in place for our industry, while providing a much needed focus on cyber-security.

"We are glad to see that Congress is continuing its commitment to cyber-security, taking it as seriously as our members do. This legislation will complement our members’ ongoing effort to improve cyber-security, from sharing best practices through ACC’s ChemITC forum to implementation of the Responsible Care Security Code ^?. This bill will also help ensure that similar efforts are being undertaken across the nation’s critical infrastructure, while giving DHS the ability and resources to provide a truly comprehensive approach to securing our cyber- and information systems.

"ACC and our members appreciate the efforts of Sens. Lieberman, Collins and Carper, and the other members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on this essential cyber-security legislation, which will help us protect our facilities, our employees, the communities where we operate, and the vital products we supply to the nation every day."

For additional testimonials about S. 3480, please click here: http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/?FuseAction=home.CybersecurityReaction