Rounds Statement on Committee Passage of NDAA
Includes his Cyber Act of War Act and other provisions
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued a statement after the committee’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes a number of provisions he introduced, including his provision requiring the administration to define a cyber act of war.
“Passing the NDAA each year is critical to protecting and advancing our national security,” said Rounds. “It’s a testament to Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed’s leadership that members from both sides of the aisle were able to work with each other to pass this important legislation.
“I’m also pleased that my Cyber Act of War Act was included in the NDAA. As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, it is critical that our armed forces have the authorization and ability to defend against cyber-attacks on our critical infrastructure such as the electric grid, transportation systems and water supplies. Clearly defining what constitutes an act of war in the cyber realm is the first step in this effort.”
Rounds’ Cyber Act of War Act would require the administration to develop a policy to determine when an action carried out in cyberspace constitutes an act of war against the United States. It would also require the Department of Defense to include the definition in its Law of War Manual.
Legislation Rounds introduced to improve DOD prescription drug monitoring for PTSD, training of DOD personnel who hire cyber security professionals and DOD’s purchase of commercial services was also included in the NDAA.
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