An amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) introduced by a bipartisan group of senators Thursday would compel President Obama to raise Cyber Command to a Combatant Command.
“With the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the President, through the Secretary of Defense, shall establish under section 161 of this title a unified combatant command for cyber operations forces,” the amendment reads. “The principal function of the command is to prepare cyber operations forces to carry out assigned missions.”
Calling cyber attacks a growing threat to national security,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said in a press release announcing the amendment, “Elevating CYBERCOM to a Combatant Command will enhance its ability to protect Americans from cyber threats.”
Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Steve Daines (R-Mon.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Blumenthal in supporting the amendment.
