On terror trials and improving cybersecurity

Last week, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing legislation that would bar funding for the trial of suspected 9/11 terrorists in U.S. civilian courts. This would force the Department of Justice to try terror suspects through a Military Commission, likely at the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or at a military base in the United States.
The American people have spoken on this issue and they do not want terrorists tried in United States civilian courts. Military tribunals were set up for the purpose of trying the masterminds of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I have personally visited the facility at Guantanamo Bay and strongly believe it should be the venue for these trials. The prosecutors at Guantanamo just need the resources and the go-ahead to begin the process of serving long-overdue justice to these criminals.
I hope that the rest of Congress listens to us and supports this legislation in order to prevent terrorists from being tried in U.S. civilian courts. The bill would send a clear signal that Congress should not spend hundreds of millions of dollars in American civilian courts to try terrorists currently housed in Guantanamo Bay, and I urge its swift consideration and passage.

Cybersecurity and Community Colleges

As technology becomes more and more advanced, our national security is increasingly dependent on having a strong cybersecurity infrastructure. To address these issues, the House passed the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act last week. This bipartisan legislation, which passed by a 422-5 margin, will provide for better coordination and public-private partnerships for strengthening the country’s cybersecurity.
The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act also contains an education component to provide a strong cybersecurity workforce. I strongly believe that community colleges, including the seven in the Second Congressional District, should be able to contribute to tomorrow’s cybersecurity jobs. That’s why I sponsored an amendment that will direct the National Academy of Sciences to study the role community colleges play in cybersecurity education. The amendment passed without opposition.
It will become increasingly important that workers in the field adopt advanced job skills and technological savvy. Recognizing the need for additional education, workers often return to technical schools and community colleges to obtain advanced training. As demand for a skilled cybersecurity workforce continues to rise, we must be ready to supply it. My amendment will ensure that community colleges will play a role in providing these vital national security personnel.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our offices in Montgomery at (334) 277-9113, Dothan at (334) 794-9680, Opp at (334) 493-9253, or Ozark at (334) 445-4600. You can also visit the website at www.bright.house.gov to sign up for the e-newsletter. It is my great pleasure to serve you and the entire Second District of Alabama.