Bill to provide Congressional oversight of military cyber operations introduced in House

A bill that aims to strengthen Congressional oversight of sensitive military cyber operations and cyber weapons was recently introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Adam Smith (D-WA), Mac Thornberry (R-TX), James Langevin (D-RI), and Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

In describing the bill, Smith said the legislation establishes a solid framework for Congressional oversight of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) cyber operations outside of active hostilities and that the bill would enable Congress to provide additional support for those activities as they continue to develop as an essential component of U.S. military power.

“Over the past few years, military cyber operations have evolved, and as the evolution and maturation of both defensive and offensive operations continues, it is crucial that we establish clear standards, processes, and procedures for notification to Congress of sensitive operations,” Smith said.

Langevin, who serves as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, said the bill brings cyber in line with other notifications Congress already receives and will help to broaden their collaboration and conversation with the DoD when it comes to cyber operations.

“Cyberspace is a critical front on the 21st Century Battlefield,” Stefanik said. “Our adversaries – including North Korea, China, Iran, and Russia – are actively investing and developing their cyber capabilities, and we must continue to modernize and develop ours as well.”

The bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee for consideration.