National Defense Authorization Bill

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I strongly agree with my friend from Montana.

Elevating Cyber Command is one of the most critical pieces to ensuring our Nation is at the forefront of the rising threats abroad. Earlier this year in the Armed Services Committee, I held a hearing on Cyber Command. I was told by the commander of Cyber Command, ADM Mike Rodgers, that this elevation would make them faster, generating better mission outcomes. These are the individuals we have leading the fight against ISIS on the newly established online battlefield--better mission outcomes is something we need.

At a time when we are also debating what the entire combatant command structure should look like, one thing is clear: Cyber is growing, and its command structure needs to grow as well. I look forward to ensuring this debate is settled in conference and Cyber Command is elevated to a combatant command.

Does my colleague from Montana agree?

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Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, for years, our enemies have been setting the norms of behavior in cyber space while the White House sat idly by hoping the problem will fix itself. With the elevation of Cyber Command, we are able to ensure we set ourselves on the right course for this new form of warfare. And we will do it without creating a hollow force. Just as it would be unacceptable to send a soldier to battle without a rifle, it is unacceptable to deprive our cyber forces the basic tools they need to execute their missions. We must remain committed to ensuring Cyber Command has the authority, the funding, and the tools it needs to succeed.

I look forward to the continued work on this issue with my colleague from Montana and to working in conference to ensure this elevation. I understand my colleague from Montana has ensured the Defense appropriations legislation complements our efforts in cyber command.

Can you elaborate on your efforts?

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