The following is an excerpt from Jasmin Melvin | August 2, 2012 | msnbc.com |
WASHINGTON — Despite growing concerns of the threat of cyber attacks, chances of a new U.S. cybersecurity law passing this year faded Thursday as Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have let the government and companies share information about attacks on computer networks.
The measure had been viewed as one of the few that might draw enough bipartisan support to get through the largely deadlocked Congress. Experts say there is an urgent need to address vulnerabilities of government and private systems controlling everything from highway traffic to financial services.
But the Senate mustered just 52 of the 60 votes needed in the 100-member body to advance the bill to a final vote, effectively sidelining it.
Business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce complained that the bill was government over-regulation, and some Republicans wanted more opportunity to push amendments. Privacy groups and some Democrats have voiced concerns about the potential for Internet eavesdropping in the legislation.
There is still a slim chance for passage before January, when the current Congress ends. But with the session winding down ahead of the November 6 congressional and presidential elections and lawmakers at odds over partisan issues of taxes and spending, cybersecurity may fall by the way.
Read more at: msnbc.com
