Reps. Katko, Garbarino comment on Biden’s cybersecurity executive order

U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) recently issued a statement regarding the Biden Administration’s release of the Executive Order (EO), which the Administration said seeks to bolster national cybersecurity.

Katko, ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Garbarino, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation, indicated cybersecurity has a tradition of not just being bipartisan but frequently nonpartisan.

“The foundational work of PPD-21 and EO 13636 in the Obama Administration was further enhanced by the widely applauded EO 13800 from the Trump Administration, which leads us to the issuance of this EO,” Katko and Garbarino said. “That previous doctrine, and others, combined with the dynamic nature of the threat environment makes this EO a natural continuation, and necessary follow-through, that should be commended. However, we hope the Administration doesn’t consider their work on cybersecurity to end here.”

The lawmakers maintain each of the items would require constant focus in the coming months, emphasizing the importance of the White House tracking the progress of each of the directives.

Katko and Garbarino said they have released a proposed five-pillar policy response plan following the SolarWinds cyber espionage campaign.

“While we appreciate the focus and elevation the White House is giving to this issue, it is imperative that agency roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that we drive lasting clarity that will endure across administrations,” the legislators concluded. “It is also important that the Biden Administration provide clarity on how the roles of CISA Director, National Cyber Director and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies will most seamlessly work together.”