15 May 2002 The Honorable Ernest F. Hollings Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing on behalf of the over 235,000 United States members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers to urge your support for passage of S.2182, the Cyber Security Research and Development Act. As the nation becomes more and more dependent upon technology in nearly every aspect of our lives, the level of vulnerability to technological disruption rises accordingly, as does the potential impact that disruption has on our lives. As we saw with the problems that became apparent following the attacks of September 11, the promptness and quality of the technological response to terrorist attacks or natural disasters could mean the difference between life and death. IEEE-USA has been a strong supporter of the Cyber Security Research and Development Act since companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives, and was pleased to be able to provide testimony in support of the Senate bill when the Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space held hearings on April 24. The authors of the legislation have expressed an understanding of the richness of the research enterprise and the diversity of the various participants in academia, government and industry, as well as the complexity of their interrelationships. In addition, the bill recognizes the importance of training future professionals. While some of these technologists will become cyber security researchers and professors, many others will become cyber security practitioners. The purpose of research is not only to advance the state of the art, but also to ultimately advance its application in the marketplace. Only through all of the mechanisms in this bill will we be able to achieve both goals. Systematic research is the way in which the cyber security profession can codify its lessons, develop its common language, and most importantly, advance the practice of cyber security. Accordingly, IEEE-USA is pleased to support S.2182, which will pay dividends not only for protection against cyber terrorism, but also for commerce and personal privacy. IEEE-USA is an organizational unit of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc, created in 1973 to promote the careers and public policy interests of the 235,000 electrical, electronics, computer and software engineers who are U.S. members of the IEEE. If we can be of further assistance, please contact Bill Williams at 202-530-8331, or at bill.williams@ieee.org. Thank you. Sincerely, LeEarl A. Bryant, P.E. (Sample letter sent to All Members of the Senate Commerce Committee) | Top of Page | Policy Log | Public Policy Forum | IEEE-USA | Last Update:
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2002, The
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