Overview

Given the recent alarming terrorist attacks in Paris, the increase in violent extremist activity across Europe, and the increase in cyber attacks from nation-state and organized criminal actors, it is important that each of the components within the Department of Homeland Security rise to the challenge and meet these threats. Privately-owned entities that make up the Nation's critical infrastructure, including our ports, energy networks, chemical manufacturers, transportation and financial sectors, and telecommunication providers, are all vital to our societal and economic well-being. What is done in Washington affects how firefighters, police, EMS technicians, border and maritime security, and doctors and nurses protect Americans every day, especially in times of disaster. Aside from the physical critical infrastructure security issues, both man-made and natural, it will be necessary to develop a workable cyber protection framework for critical-infrastructure entities in order to protect the rest of our economy.