© Greg Nash
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid
Harry Mason ReidHarry Reid calls on Democrats to plow forward on immigration Democrats brace for tough election year in Nevada The Memo: Biden's horizon is clouded by doubt MORE (D-Nev.) criticized a long-stalled cyber bill Tuesday, suggesting that while he will support it, the legislation is "far, far, far too weak."
Harry Mason ReidHarry Reid calls on Democrats to plow forward on immigration Democrats brace for tough election year in Nevada The Memo: Biden's horizon is clouded by doubt MORE (D-Nev.) criticized a long-stalled cyber bill Tuesday, suggesting that while he will support it, the legislation is "far, far, far too weak." "We have a bill before us that's better than nothing, and we support it. But it is far, far, far too weak," he said on Tuesday. "We must do more to protect ourselves against this cyberterrorism. It can be done if Republicans will work with us."
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Reid's remarks come ahead of a series of votes on the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), with final passage expected on Tuesday afternoon.
The legislation — which is aimed at increasing information sharing between the government and businesses over cyber threats — has gained pushback from privacy advocates, including Sen. Ron Wyden
Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenMillionaires urge Democrats to include billionaire tax in spending bill Biden sets off high-stakes scramble over spending framework Democrats face ire of women over loss of paid leave MORE (D-Ore.).
Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenMillionaires urge Democrats to include billionaire tax in spending bill Biden sets off high-stakes scramble over spending framework Democrats face ire of women over loss of paid leave MORE (D-Ore.). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell blasts potential payments to separated migrant families Yellen says reconciliation a 'viable' way to tackle debt limit Photos of the Week: Bipawtisan Dog Costume parade, California flooding and tiger cubs MORE (R-Ky.), however, defended CISA, suggesting it will help protect privacy and personal data.
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell blasts potential payments to separated migrant families Yellen says reconciliation a 'viable' way to tackle debt limit Photos of the Week: Bipawtisan Dog Costume parade, California flooding and tiger cubs MORE (R-Ky.), however, defended CISA, suggesting it will help protect privacy and personal data. "Everyone understands that a cyberattack can be financially crippling, that's why everyone should want to see the bipartisan cybersecurity bill before us today be passed," he said from the Senate floor.
Reid on Tuesday suggested that Democrats had been ready for years to work on a "comprehensive" bill but blamed Republicans for blocking the Senate from taking up and passing cyber legislation years ago.
"It was filibustered by the Republicans. They wouldn't even let us on this legislation. They wouldn't even allow us to debate the bill," he added. "Whatever their reasoning, I'm glad Republicans have finally changed course on this issue and allowed a simple bill to move forward."
