Value of DHS’ Vulnerability Assessments in Protecting our Nation’s Critical Infrastructure

July 12, 2016 10:00 AM | 311 Cannon House Office Building

The purpose of this hearing is to examine threats to the nation’s critical infrastructure, including threats from terrorists and nation state actors. The Subcommittee will examine the capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) and Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP) in offering voluntary assessments to owners and operators of critical infrastructure to evaluate risks and to defend against attacks. Over the past several years, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has brought into question the value of DHS’ vulnerability assessments and its ability to mitigate potential duplication or gaps. The Subcommittee will examine several of the recommendations made by GAO and how DHS has addressed those concerns. Additionally, the Subcommittee will examine the benefit being provided to owners and operators from the vulnerability assessments and how DHS is communicating the value of its critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity programs to owners and operators of critical infrastructure.

Opening Statements

Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Subcommittee Chairman
Opening Statement

Live Stream

Witnesses

Mr. Chris P. Currie
Director
Homeland Security and Justice Issues
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Witness Testimony

Dr. Andy Ozment
Assistant Secretary
Office of Cybersecurity and Communications
National Protection and Programs Directorate
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Witness Testimony

Ms. Caitlin Durkovich
Assistant Secretary
Office of Infrastructure Protection
National Protection and Programs Directorate
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Witness Testimony

Mr. Marcus L. Brown
Homeland Security Advisor
Director of the Office of Homeland Security
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Witness Testimony