Cybersecurity Bill Defeated, President Obama Considers Executive-Order Option

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have just recently blocked the cybersecurity legislation put forth by Joe Lieberman (I-Conn) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), but that doesn’t look to be the final nail in the coffin for said bill. The White House could still issue an executive order if Congress doesn’t act on the issue of strengthening our nation’s cyber defenses. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney in an email has said In the wake of Congressional inaction and Republican stall tactics, unfortunately, we will continue to be hamstrung by outdated and inadequate statutory authorities that the legislation would have fixed.” Regardless of if the President issues an executive order or not, the White House is still committed to better protecting vital computer systems and considers it a top priority. Those opposing the legislation are worried that it will do nothing more than burden businesses with unnecessary regulations that would be ineffective even if passed. It seems cybersecurity issues are now becoming the new hot button issue for the U.S. government. More info on the issue can be found at the source linked below.