Im sure you can see that chart over there. Charts are always interesting, but this one, were going to need someone to translate for us because its an example, and i think an one, of the difference, the differences and authorities and responsibilities, none of which seem to have an overall coordinating office or individual. Of course, mr. Joyce absence here, whose job it is to do all this is an example, frankly, of the disarray in which this whole issue rests. And mr. Rapuano, to start with, you said that is not department of defense responsibility. Suppose at the russians had been able to affect the outcome of the last election. Wouldnt that fall under their responsibility and authority to some degree of the department of defense if theyre able to destroy the fundamental of democracy which would be to change the outcome of an election . Mr. Chairman, specifically, the issues associated with protecting elections from cyber incursion so youre saying cyber incursion is not something that
Epidemic, and that is very inspiring to us, to see these small news organizations that are struggling because they have lost so much advertising over the past decade, and still putting resources into this story is really important. So we cheer all those people on. Ms. Casey where does this go from here . Mr. Rosen i think the story that we did will get local television stations now to say lets cover it in our area in the bigger way. Lets not just cover the car crash or local three alarm fire, lets devote resources to this. When that happens, here is how it works in washington. Those stories happen, people at home get outraged, they call their senator and congressman, the senator and congressman look at the mail and the incoming phone list, and says oh, i better do something about that. Legislation has been proposed maybe to remedy it. Law enforcement, maybe the vote is more resources in a proper way. To theely, it goes executive branch that says this is going to be a big voting issue i
The Senate Armed Services Committee Held a hearing yesterday. [inaudible conversations] , one. Of morning. The Committee Meets to receive testimony on the u. S. Government policy strategy and organization to protect our nation in cyberspace. To begin id like to thank senators rounds and nelson for their leadership on these issues and our Cyber Security subcommittee. This hearing builds upon the good work that they and their subcommittee have done to tackle the critical challenge of cyber. This is a challenge that is growing more dire and more complex. Not a week passes that we dont read about some disturbing new incident, Cyber Attacks against our Government Systems and Critical Infrastructure, data breaches back compromise Sensitive Information of our citizens and companies, attempts to manipulate Public Opinion through social media and of course attacks against the fundamentals of our democratic system and process. Those are just the ones that we know about. This is a totally new kin
There must be whistleblower protection. Can you address how you feel about whistleblowers and retaliation within the department. I would be happy to. Should i be confirmed i would do everything in my power to make sure theres no retaliation. I feel whistleblowers are an important part of the way democracy functions and i was happily recently the president signed into law and other whistleblower due to efforts, but i believe within each department we need to ensure not only various environment of of trust and respect, but a safe place for voices to be heard. Its vital we understand concerns of employees. Let me also address contracting after disasters. We are all very worried about all of the americans. For the first time i believe, in my lifetime weve been unable to restore a sick living necessities to thousands of americans for weeks now. Im confident you will get other questions about puerto rico, but i want to hone in on contracting youve awarded more than 2 billion in contracts, tw
This hearing will come to order. Of course you will. Good morning. We are meeting today to consider the nomination of kristen m. Nielsen to be it next secretary of it United States department of Homeland Security. I want to welcome ms. Nielsen, her family. Id certainly want to call out mrs. Karen kelly. General kellys wife. Shes here also showing her support for the nominee. And i know ms. Nielsen will introduce her family in her Opening Statement. Americas facing enormous challenges. Our National Debt exceeds 20 trillion and theres no serious effort being made by either party to eliminate deficits expected to exceed over 1 trillion. Our enemies are on the rise. The Iranian Nuclear agreement did modify irans behavior for the worst. They remain determined to target with Nuclear Weapons and the threat of islamist terrorism has evolved, metasticized and spread all over the world, if the clnco our homeland. The challenges are equally daunting. We have just experienced unprecedented destruc