Cybersecurity Double Header Teed Up in House, Senate

DHS secretary Napolitano will be witness at both

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/5/2013 3:25:34 PM

This week is turning out to be cybersecurity rush hour on the information superhighway (make that beltway) for Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano.

The House Committee on Homeland Security has just announced a hearing for Wednesday, March 6, on DHS' role and responsibilities to protect critical infrastructure. Napolitano will testify.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, the Commerce Committee has released its witness list for Thursday's cybersecurity hearing and Napolitano will headline that meeting as well.

"Tomorrow's hearing will examine cyber threats facing the United States and explore how Congress can build upon the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to prevent cyberattacks in a way that promotes U.S. commerce, while not hindering its expansion," said Homeland Security Committee chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

According to Senate Commerce, witnesses for its hearing include Napolitano; Patrick Gallagher, Commerce; Greg Wilshusen, GAO; and David Kepler, CIO, Dow Chemical.

The hearings stake out the issue early in the new congressional session following a spate of cybersecurity attacks attributed to China and following the president's executive order mandating a voluntary cybersecurity best practices regime and greater sharing of government cyberthreat info with industry.