Sen. Carper Commends Colleagues on Vote to Proceed to Debate on Cybersecurity Legislation

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee of Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security, commended his colleagues after the Senate voted to move to debate on the Cybersecurity Act of 2012. Sen. Carper is a cosponsor of the bill. He released the following statement:

“The Internet is central to the lives of everyone in American society. It’s where we communicate, work, shop, and bank. That’s why today’s vote was so important, moving us another critical step closer to updating our dangerously outdated cyber security laws. While this bill isn’t perfect, it is a significant improvement over our current cyber security laws which aren’t adequately protecting cyberspace. With today’s vote we can now begin the debate and amendment process, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve our legislation and ensure that it is as effective as possible. Given all that relies on a safe and secure Internet, it’s vital that we do what’s necessary to protect ourselves from hackers, cyber thieves and terrorists. For far too long we have lacked a modern approach to ensuring the security of cyber space. This bipartisan legislation addresses that need and puts in place a new framework that better balances the needs and concerns of government, the private sector and Members on both sides of the aisle. I am encouraged that we have come this far and will not cease in my efforts to help Congress pass this bill as soon as possible.”