Concerns were expressed regarding “overlapping responsibilities” within cyber roles.
This week, the Senate began the nomination hearing for Nathaniel Fick, President Biden’s nominee for ambassador at large within the State Department’s new cyber bureau. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio asked Mr. Fick to clarify how his role would be different from the national cyber director at the White House. “What I’m concerned about is that we have overlapping responsibilities and authorities with regard to our cyber defense,” Senator Portman said.
The cyber nominee responded that yes, the White House and the Department of Defense both have cybersecurity positions, but having a diplomatic leader with cyber credentials is a clear and important gap currently unfilled in U.S. cyberspace. “Countries such as the People’s Republic of China and Russia have a very different vision for cyberspace and the use of digital technologies, which is why American leadership matters in this arena,” Mr. Fick said.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senator Portman and his colleagues as they question and vet the nominees for confirmation.
- For wisdom for members of the Senate as they voted on the president’s appointees.
- For U.S. cyber security officials as they work to safeguard the nation’s digital space and assets.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
