Lieberman-Collins cybersecurity bill clears Senate committee

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted on Thursday to approve a sweeping cybersecurity bill that would clarify the authority of the president to take critical information technology systems offline during emergencies when no other option is available.

During a markup of the bill -- which the panel approved by a unanimous voice vote -- Chairman Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and ranking member Susan Collins, R-Maine, sought to assuage fears that the bill would allow the government to take over Internet services or expand electronic surveillance activities. They said the president already has authority to shut down online services under the 1934 Communications Act, and their bill actually aims to curtail that power.

They offered a manager's amendment that would require a congressional resolution of approval if the president wants to impose emergency measures longer than 120 days. But it appeared likely some senators will want to clarify portions of the bill as it advances through Congress.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it is important to ensure that the Defense Department remains in charge of protecting military networks.

Meanwhile, Sens. Kit Bond, R-Mo., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, introduced a competing cybersecurity bill on Thursday that would, among other things, create a National Cyber Center within the Defense Department.