Rep. Ruppersberger Applauds Launch of New National Cybersecurity Initiative

National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center Opens

October 30, 2009 -- (Arlington, VA) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) joined Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and other Members of Congress to launch a new cybersecurity center today in Arlington, Virginia.

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The National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) will create a 24-hour watch and warning center to address threats and other incidents involving our nation’s critical infrastructure. The center will be staffed by officials with the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies along with workers from the private sector.

Our nation’s cyber networks control much of what we do every day. They power our computers, our cell phones, our Blackberries and our I-pods. They power the electrical grid that allows us to turn the lights on, the classified military and intelligence networks that keep us safe, and the broadband networks that link our homes, our schools, and our hospitals.

Congressman Ruppersberger is Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee and a Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. Congressman Ruppersberger believes we must be vigilant as we work to protect our nation’s infrastructure and the creation of the NCCCIC is a good first step.

“We must make cybersecurity a priority. We must also make sure the federal government, private industry and citizens are all working together to beef up our cybersecurity efforts. Some of our nation’s networks are run by the government and others are run by private companies. It makes sense that these efforts include both sectors. That is what the NCCIC is all about,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

Congressman Ruppersberger supported the 2010 Homeland Security Act, which included $397 million for cybersecurity. The bill passed Congress and was signed into law on October 28, 2009.

Source: Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger