An Inoffensive Bill

What does the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act’s lopsided win in the House indicate about the direction of federal cybersecurity policy?

Does it mean that lawmakers are genuinely worried that they are doing too little to protect cyberspace? Or is it simply another reminder that an inoffensive bill that can be characterized as important to national security can easily win friends on both sides of the aisle?

Some commentators have suggested that the act does very little, and that might be part of its appeal. Yet it is a perfect complement to President Obama’s 2009 “Cyberspace Policy Review,” a report that called for more public-private partnerships, research and development, and education. The House, like the administration, is wary of imposing rules on the private sector to improve cybersecurity.

In addition, the House bill promises to send a modest amount of federal funds into members’ districts to pay for educational programs and research centers. Education, national security, and something for the folks back home? That’s a hard combination to resist.

For more details about the bill and this week’s debate in the House, see the upcoming edition of Cybersecurity Policy Report. -- TL