Langevin to seek statutory authority for cyber adviser

Expressing frustration with the Obama administration, House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Jim Langevin (D-RI) said he will introduce a bill soon to codify the powers of a White House adviser for national cybersecurity efforts. He is worried that momentum is fading to tackle the nation's major cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Chairman Langevin said he worries that even when an adviser is appointed, he or she will not have the necessary powers to force federal agencies into action. He said in an interview that he plans to introduce a bill possibly at the beginning of 2010 to give the adviser budget and personnel authority. Langevin's bill would mark the first effort in the House to legislate on cybersecurity since Obama came into office. Across Capitol Hill, key senators are at odds over how best to improve federal cybersecurity efforts.