Reps. Langevin, Gallagher applaud inclusion of cyberspace recommendations in NDAA

U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), commissioners of the Cyberspace Solarium, applauded the inclusion of budget amendments to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that implement recommendations from the Solarium Commission’s report.

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission, launched in 2019 by Congress, is made up of 14 cybersecurity experts from the executive branch, Congress, and the private sector. In its inaugural report, issued March 11, the commission made 82 recommendations that the government can take to implement a strategy of layered cyber deterrence. Langevin and Gallagher incorporated several recommendations during the House Armed Services Committee consideration of H.R. 6395. The two lawmakers also collaborated with cybersecurity leaders to develop floor amendments to further the Commission’s work.

“The House’s National Defense Authorization Act will do more for our nation’s cybersecurity than any bill in a long time,” Langevin, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, said. “Thanks to the many bipartisan cybersecurity leaders we have in the House, the defense bill includes eleven additional legislative provisions to implement the Cyberspace Solarium Commission report.”

Among the recommendations that made it into the NDAA was the creation of a National Cyber Director within the Executive Office of the President to develop and oversee implementation of the National Cyber Strategy. Another recommendation is to strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security.

“Cyberspace has emerged as a decisive battlefield that puts all Americans — knowingly or unknowingly — on the frontline of conflict. Defending our interests in this domain requires not only substantial investment but reform that allows us to adapt to these ever-present and ever-changing threats,” Gallagher said. “By including some of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission’s critical recommendations, this bill takes these challenges head on and implements policies that will no doubt help better secure our nation in cyberspace. There’s more work to be done, but this is an important step forward.”