Hoyer Statement on Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection

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Hoyer Statement on Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House passed the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act:

“The cybersecurity legislation the House passed today addresses a critical national security challenge and represents a significant improvement from what was passed last year. Most notably, this bill ensures that information shared by industry with government is handed over to Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, rather than military agencies. This is a critical development, which correctly recognizes the important role these civilian agencies play in the government’s cybersecurity efforts. I commend Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson for the hard work he put into this language.

"I also appreciate that the bill requires the government to remove any personal information from data shared by businesses. This is a good first step, though there is more work to be done on this front. For one, I remain concerned that the bill does not require businesses to take reasonable efforts to remove personally identifiable information to protect Americans' privacy. I am also concerned by the liability protections afforded businesses in this bill, and believe they could be more narrowly defined.

"Despite those concerns, I believe that this is a stronger bill than last year's, and that Congress must work together and move forward with legislation addressing this urgent national security issue. I want to thank Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Dutch Ruppersberger and Chairman Mike Rogers for their hard work to improve the bill and strengthen our approach to cyber threats.

“Now that the House has passed its version, I hope the Senate will pass a cybersecurity bill quickly so that we can go to conference and begin working toward a final bill that addresses the concerns that I and many Americans have about privacy, liability, and the efficacy of our efforts to defend against cyber threats. I will continue to be engaged as the legislative process advances.”

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