Cybersecurity Act fails Senate vote

The long battle for cybersecurity legislation ended August 2 as the Senate failed to pass a motion to end debate on the bill. The Cybersecurity Act, introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), was rejected on a 52-46 vote — 60 votes were required to move forward with the legislation.

The bill's collapse likely kills any legislative action on cybersecurity this year, punting efforts to 2013. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said the bill was critical for the nation’s security, but the powerful U.S. Chamber of Commerce objected to the bill. “We know how important this legislation is, we know it’s more important than getting a pat on the back from Chamber of Commerce,” Sen Reid said before the vote. “That’s why Republicans are running like a pack of scared cats.” “I am disappointed, perplexed and somewhat confused about how the Republicans want to proceed,” Sen Reid said. “Clearly they won’t until they have a sign-off from Chamber of Commerce.”

In a statement released shortly after the vote, White House press secretary Jay Carney criticized Republican opposition to the bill and called Congress's stalemate on cybersecurity "a profound disappointment."

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and the co-sponsors of the legislation said they are hopeful that the bill can be revived after the August recess despite the long odds against it.