"As evidenced by recent "denial of service" attacks on several major web sites, the threat of cyber-terrorism is a reality that can and will continue to disrupt businesses causing temporary chaos and fiscal disaster," said Andrews.  "It is very important that we stay more than one step ahead of those who would do us harm through cyber-terrorism or cyber-vandalism.  More and more of our nation's critical infrastructure -- from communication to transportation to public safety to energy systems -- depends on computers which can be accessed on-line, and which are therefore vulnerable to attack from cyber-criminals."  

"America's national security requires us to give private businesses the tools to combat these cyber-predators," said the Congressman.  "We must ensure the security of our nation's infrastructure as well as to ensure the safety of the general public.  I am working on the Committee on Armed Services in conjunction with the administration to be sure that our military cyber-defenses are prepared and ready.  I believe that this legislation, aided by my amendment, will ensure that we take the maximum steps to prevent this kind of cyber-terrorism in our civilian sector."

Andrews' amendment directs federal science agencies to make research grants to develop offensive and defensive strategies to prevent as well as to prosecute any future cyber-attacks, to provide information security, and to ensure that "counter-initiatives" are thwarted.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Andrews has worked with senior officials at the Pentagon to develop a funding source to provide federal incentives to private industry to protect their cyber infrastructure from being compromised by internet hackers. 

Congressman Andrews' amendment was included as part of H.R. 2086, The Networking and Information Research and Development Act, which passed the House of Representatives on February 15th.  This bill authorizes funding for networking and information technology research and development programs of the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency for the next five years.