At hearing, Sens. McCain and Lieberman clash over cybersecurity measure

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) accused Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) of trying to ram through a flawed cybersecurity bill at a hearing.

"Unfortunately, the bill introduced by the chairman and ranking member has already been placed on the calendar by the majority leader without a single markup or any executive business meeting by any committee of relevant jurisdiction," Sen McCain said. "My friends, that’s wrong." "To suggest that this bill should move directly to the Senate Floor because it has ‘been around’ since 2009 is outrageous," McCain said. "First, the bill was introduced two days ago. Secondly, where do Senate Rules state that a bill’s progress in a previous Congress can supplant the necessary work on that bill in the present one?" Sen McCain said he is concerned the bill will duplicate cybersecurity efforts by the Defense Department, grow the budget deficit and impose burdensome regulations on businesses.