Stevens Statement on Cyberattack Targeting Federal Agencies

Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement in response to recent reports of a major cyberattack targeting several U.S. government agencies.

“Last year, a bipartisan Senate investigation revealed the cybersecurity flaws and weaknesses plaguing federal agencies,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “The report revealed that agencies have been relying on outdated systems, failing to safeguard vulnerable hardware, and ignoring credible threats. Now we have learned of a malicious, widespread breach involving several federal agencies which is tragically as unsurprising as it is terrifying. Nearly one in three cybersecurity jobs go unfilled because we have not invested in training our workforce. Our failure to prioritize cybersecurity across all levels of government is a glaring threat to our national security and our economy. I will continue working with my colleagues on the House Science Committee to identify opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity within federal agencies to protect personal data and public safety.”

In June 2019, Congresswoman Stevens led a roundtable discussion with cybersecurity experts from the public and private sector to identify challenges and opportunities for strengthening cybersecurity audits to protect personal data and public safety in the Federal government.

In February 2020, Congresswoman Stevens convened a hearing as Chair of the House Science Subcommittee on Research and Technology to explore programs aimed to address our national cybersecurity workforce shortage.