Ranking Member, Select Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research & Development

Media Contact: David Thomas, 202.225.3072

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) called for action today at the first ever meeting of the Select Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science and Research & Development.  Lofgren, who serves as ranking member of the subcommittee, called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to provide proper attention and focus to cybersecurity and technology issues.  Dr. Charles E. McQueary, Undersecretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security testified before the subcommittee.  Lofgren’s full statement is listed below:

“Today is the first meeting of the Cybersecurity, Science, and Research & Development Subcommittee.  Before I make some brief comments on today’s hearing, I want to take a minute to thank Chairman Mac Thornberry and his talented staff.   I greatly appreciate your efforts to work in a bipartisan manner, and I look forward to cooperating with you in the coming months on the significant cybersecurity and technology challenges that our country faces.  There is no shortage of issues that this subcommittee should address, and I am confident that we will be able to accomplish much together.

“Today’s hearing marks the second time that I have had the opportunity to hear Dr. Charles McQueary testify in front of Congress in the past week.  Dr. McQueary appeared before the House Science Committee last Wednesday.  The fact that Dr. McQueary has testified before two different committees recently underlines the importance that we in Congress place in the mission of the Science and Technology Directorate, and of course, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a whole.

“We face major challenges in trying to secure our country.  The Select Committee on Homeland Security's oversight should be devoted to getting the new Department up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible.  This subcommittee must also insure that the issues of cybersecurity, science, and research & development receive a proper level of attention within DHS itself.  I want to be assured that Dr. McQueary has the budget, staff resources, and most important, the access to get the job done.

“Since our appointment to this subcommittee, Chairman Thornberry and I have spent much of our time studying and learning about the many complex issues involving cybersecurity, science, and research & development.  These issues are difficult to grasp, and not as easy to comprehend as the threats to our borders and infrastructure.  I believe it is important for this subcommittee to help inform the public by explaining the threats and vulnerabilities involved in cybersecurity.  I hope that Dr. McQueary will spend some time today explaining these threats and vulnerabilities.  If these issues are better understood, then we can better prepare and defend our country and its citizens.

“I also would like to hear from Dr. McQueary today on the Department’s relationship with agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).  It is critical that DHS cooperate with these and other like agencies.  The Department can gain valuable experience from each.  However, I also think it is important that these agencies remain independent from DHS.  I am concerned that the Department may drain these agencies of their resources.  I do not want to hear from the good people at NIST that all of their best staff has been detailed to DHS.

“Finally, I represent Silicon Valley, one of the most innovative places on Earth.  People in the Valley thrive on solving complex problems.  Since my appointment, countless engineers, programmers, professors, researchers and high tech CEO’s have approached me to express their interest in helping DHS with their mission.  Some have innovative homeland security products, others have theories on information system protection, and some have even done academic studies on cybersecurity.  All have valuable expertise to offer.  The problem that almost all encounter is that they do not know whom to approach to pass on their experience and ideas.  I hope Dr. McQueary will shed some light on the structure of the Science and Technology Directorate.  I want to know what office will handle inquiries from the private sector and academic community.   

“Thank you again for appearing today.  I look forward to working with you in the weeks and months to come.”