Baird introduces computer bill

"We need to engage the best minds in our country to re-examine every aspect of security. I've introduced legislation to protect our drinking water, cosponsored legislation to improve airline security, and this bill will help protect our information infrastructure," said Baird.

Baird developed his legislation following a series of hearing before the Science and Technology Committee in which numerous witnesses and experts testified that research into computer security is woefully inadequate and our information networks are extremely vulnerable to attack.

Baird said that his bill will train new graduate student and post doctoral research assistants, and attract seasoned researchers to the field of computer security.

"Right now, we don't have enough people doing research on protecting networked computer systems. At the same time, more and more of us rely on these systems for basic services like electricity and financial transactions,"said Baird." My bill addresses this problem by creating a larger and more vibrant basic research enterprise in computer-related security fields."

Baird said that his bill could yield improved technology to track people that attack websites, better technology to secure internet based transactions, and cheaper ways of protecting databases that are accessed via the internet.

Baird's bill charges the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with implementing a substantial program of research support based at institutions of higher education designed to improve the security of networked information systems. Although awards are to universities, the research projects may involve collaborations with for-profit companies that develop information security products.

"The bill will provide needed research and funding to an industry that is hurting economically. I'm hopeful that this bill will move quickly," said Baird.

This research program is authorized for a 10-year period, growing from $25 million in the 1st year to $85 million by the 5th year.