Washington, D.C. - Yesterday afternoon, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to review the recommendations made in the Cyberspace Policy Review pertaining to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the proposed reorganization of the NIST Information Technology Laboratory, and their impact on our nation's cybersecurity.  The hearing was the Committee's fourth on cybersecurity this year, with legislation expected later this year.

"NIST is a proven and trusted entity within the Federal government, the private sector, and around the world.  It is also well-known for its excellence in advancing research and the fundamental science of computer security. It is important we work to prioritize activities and identify those which provide the greatest security returns.  Additionally, I think we should be careful to delineate what activities NIST should not undertake - particularly with respect to anything which could take on a regulatory nature, either directly or indirectly," Smith, the top Republican on the Subcommittee, said.

Smith noted that he welcomed the Committee's review and consideration of potential additional or expanded activities for NIST to undertake, particularly in the context of NIST's expertise and capabilities, and the growing importance of and emphasis on cybersecurity in the Federal government and the private sector.

The Cyberspace Policy Review, released by the Administration on May 29, recognized that the task of addressing cybersecurity concerns comprehensively would be a difficult process, owing to the number of federal departments and agencies involved with overlapping authorities.