Information Technology and Cyber Operations: Modernization and Policy Issues in a Changing National Security Environment

Information technology and cyber operations, both from a policy and budget perspective, are among the most challenging national security issues. There is particular concern about how the Department of Defense can put up-to-date technology in the hands of the warfighter in a timely and cost-effective manner. The second issue before this Subcommittee is cyber operations. This subcommittee has viewed as one of its primary responsibilities helping to ensure that the military is as prepared as it can be to defend the Nation in cyberspace. It is one of the few areas of the budget where there is widespread agreement that more spending is necessary, but we also want to see that all taxpayer funds are spent carefully and effectively. These have been turbulent, challenging years, with a constant yet evolving terrorist threat and an explosion of cyber threats, as well as other national security challenges. Through it all, through terrorist plots, cyber intrusions of every description, not to mention intentional illegal disclosures of important national security information, General Alexander and the folks at NSA made sure that support for our troops in the field was a top priority.