House Passes Rep. Yvette D. Clarke's H. Res. 797, Supporting Goals And Ideals Of National CyberSecurity Awareness Month 2009

Press Release

Today, the U.S House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke's, resolution H. Res. 797, supporting the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2009 with a vote of 415 to 0.

"I want to thank my colleagues for their overwhelming support of H. Res. 797. This Congress understands that our citizens rely on information technology in every aspect of our lives -- from managing businesses to social networking. As innovation spurs increased access and demand for the internet and information technologies, cyber warfare and cyber crime are increasing in sophistication and frequency," stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

Among the cosponsors of this bipartisan resolution are Rep. Dan Lungren, Ranking Member of my subcommittee; David Wu Chairman, House Science and Technology Committee Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation; Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson; Ranking Member Peter King; and House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon.

"In this digital age, we are all interconnected and our national cyber infrastructure is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain," added Rep. Clarke. "The passing of this resolution is a clear message to the American people that our government will continue to protect and strengthen our critical cyber infrastructure."

October marks the sixth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance, and other partners.

Cyber security vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security. The Department of Homeland Security logged 5,499 such cyber attack incidents in 2008 - a 40 percent increase over the previous year. A 2007 Government Accountability Office report estimates the total U.S. business losses due to cyber attacks exceed $117.5 billion per year. A 2009 Consumer Reports study found that over the past two years, one in five online consumers has been a victim of cyber crime.

"As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I am committed to working with Federal agencies, national organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to encourage the development and implementation of existing and future cyber security standards, practices, and technologies that enhance the nation's security," concluded Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

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