This week in Congress: Cybersecurity in the Senate

WASHINGTON — Senators will take up cybersecurity issues this week while the House takes a legislative break following the passage of a controversial new health care measure last week.

Adm. Michael Rogers, head of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency, will testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday about the state of his command, pending threats facing the nation and the long-term defense plans to deal with dangers posed by foreign hackers.

Later in the week, the Senate Homeland Security Committee will hear from outside experts on the topic, and possible legislative actions to protect the country’s online infrastructure.

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee will hold its own high-profile hearing on changes to the VA Choice Card program, a top priority of the White House and VA officials. That Wednesday hearing will feature a number of outside advocates testifying on the program’s strengths and weaknesses.

Tuesday

Senate Armed Services -- 9:30 a.m. -- Dirksen G50
Cyber Command
Adm. Michael Rogers, head of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency, will testify before the committee on cyber threats facing the country.

Senate Foreign Relations -- 10 a.m. -- Dirksen 419
Nominations
The committee will consider a series of nominations, including John Sullivan to be deputy Secretary of State.

Senate Armed Services -- 2:30 p.m. -- Dirksen G50
Nominations
The committee will consider a series of nominations, including David Norquist to be the Pentagon comptroller, Robert Daigle to be director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, and Elaine McCusker to be principal deputy under secretary for the Department of Defense.

Wednesday

Senate Banking -- 10 a.m. -- Dirksen 538
North Korea
The subcommittee on national security will discuss sanctions against Chinese institutions doing business with North Korea.

Senate Foreign Relations -- 10 a.m. -- Dirksen 419
Western Hemisphere
Outside experts will testify before the committee on emerging external influences in the Western Hemisphere and possible threats to national security.

Senate Homeland Security -- 10 a.m. -- Dirksen 342
Cyber security
Outside security specialists will testify before the committee on the cybersecurity threat landscape in America.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs -- 2:30 p.m. -- Russell 418
Choice program
The committee will hear from VA and outside advocates on potential changes to the VA Choice Card program.

 
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.