Cybersecurity Policy Report, Reps. Gallagher, Khanna to Lead Armed Services Cyber Panel, (Feb 3, 2023)
Reps. Mike Gallagher (R., Wis.) and Ro Khanna (D., Calif.) have been named chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the House Armed Services Committee's cyber, information technologies, and innovation (CITI) subcommittee.
Rep. Gallagher was co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, a now-disbanded congressionally-created group that studied the nation's most vexing cybersecurity challenges and offered recommendations, many of which were implemented through legislation or executive order.
Rep. Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley, has been active on cybersecurity issues, including sponsoring the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (HR 7535), which was enacted at the end of 2022 and would direct federal agencies to begin developing and deploying encryption tools that can't be broken by quantum computers (CPR, Jan. 4).
"In the digital age, America is facing new threats to its national security, and it is critical that we have a vision for the 21st century. I look forward to working with Rep. Gallagher as ranking member on CITI to present a modern national security strategy that prepares us for threats on the horizon and uses emerging technologies to keep us safe and deter war," Rep. Khanna said in a news release.
"One of my goals on this committee will be to strengthen the bridge between Silicon Valley and the Department of Defense, making it easier for DoD to acquire commercial technology. We will look at how startups can overcome the 'Valley of Death' and what we can do to make sure America and our defense has the top technologies to keep us a global leader," he added.
According to a rules package adopted by the committee yesterday, the CITI subcommittee will oversee Defense Department policy "related to the acquisition of computer software, the electromagnetic spectrum, and electromagnetic warfare; and Department of Defense policy and programs and accounts related to artificial intelligence, cyber security, cyber operations, cyber forces, information technology, and science and technology."
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