WASHINGTON - U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today after President Trump signed an executive order on strengthening federal cybersecurity networks and infrastructure.
Chairman Smith: “Cybersecurity is critical to national security, and today's executive order shows that President Trump is taking the matter seriously. This executive order gives federal agencies the right direction, goals, and priorities to keep America safe. Requiring federal agencies to use the NIST Framework will help ensure cyber readiness across the government. Legislation sponsored by Rep. Abraham and passed by the Science Committee, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Assessment, and Auditing Act of 2017 (H.R. 1224), would help implement President Trump's order by requiring NIST to assist agencies in Framework adoption, assess agency preparedness, and evaluate agency effectiveness. I’m also pleased to see cyber-workforce development underscored in the executive order. To effectively manage cybersecurity, we need a talented and qualified workforce to protect our information and networks. Cyber-attacks are a growing threat to our country, to our economy, and to individuals’ privacy. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to ensure the government does all it can to help protect Americans from cyber threats.”