John Brennan urges Congress to keep working on comprehensive legislation

Sep 18, 2012 08:29 GMT  ·  By

After the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 was blocked by senators back in July, rumors started surfacing regarding an executive order whose main purpose would be to protect the United States’ critical infrastructures against attacks from cyberspace.

In a letter sent to Senator Jay Rockefeller, the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, National Security Adviser John Brennan highlighted the need for updated legislation, The Hill informs.

“Following congressional inaction, the President is determined to use existing executive branch authorities to protect our nation against cyber threats,” the letter reads.

“Specifically, we are exploring an Executive Order to direct executive branch departments and agencies to secure our nation's critical infrastructure by working with the private sector.”

Brennan underscored the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector, and urged Congress to work on “comprehensive legislation.”