McCain questions Reid's decision to take up cyber security bill before defense authorization

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) asked if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was “oblivious” to the national security needs of the country.

“Can’t we as a body for the sake of those men and women who’s lives are on the line pass a defense authorization bill,” MccCain said on the floor Monday. “Is the Senate Majority Leader oblivious?”

McCain urged Reid to allow a vote on the defense authorization bill. Instead Reid has indicated that the Senate would first vote on a cyber security bill — a decision McCain called “bizarre.”

McCain said the cyber security bill, S. 2105, is flawed and won’t pass the in the House.

“The Major Leader intends to rush through the Senate a flawed piece of legislation,” McCain said. “The cyber security bill is in great need of improvements … [and] it has zero chance of passing in the House of Representatives.”

McCain said the defense authorization bill addresses cyber security needs among many others, which is why it would be better for those serving in the military.

“For the life of me I do not understand why the Majority Leader should have so little regard for the men and women serving in the military today,” McCain said. 

The Cyber Security Act was introduced by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and is co-sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

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