Senator Lieberman is spearheading the Free Speech Protection Act of 2008 and is also a friend of New English Review. Here is the latest press release:

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., are seeking detailed explanations from the Department of Homeland Security regarding a new initiative to secure federal information technology systems.

In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the Senators reiterate their support for the Administration’s heightened attention to cyber security as evidenced by creation of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI). The CNCI, formally established in January, is intended to strengthen the federal government’s ability to secure the electronic networks and databases upon which it relies.

But, given the Administration’s request to triple DHS’ cyber security budget over the past year, the Senators are asking for specific information on issues ranging from the secrecy of the project to its heavy reliance on contractors to the lack of involvement by the private sector, which controls the vast majority of the nation’s cyber infrastructure.

“Overall, we are pleased that the Department is taking additional steps to secure federal computer networks and that you have decided to make cyber security one of the Department’s top four priorities for this year,” the Senators write. “At the same time we believe that increased openness and information sharing with Congress, the private sector, and the American public will aid in the eventual success of the initiative.”

DHS has a significant role to play in implementation of CNCI, which is still under development, although other agencies, including the National Security Agency are also involved. HSGAC conducted a classified briefing on the initiative in March, but the Administration has been reluctant to share unclassified portions of the program with Congress and the public...