Jacky Rosen Warns Of Cyber Threats From Foreign Adversaries Continuing To ‘Intensify Everyday’

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During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing prior to the congressional recess, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) spoke about growing cyber security threats.

Transcript

00:00Senator Rosen. Ranking Member Rosen.

00:03Thank you, Chair Rounds, and thank you, Chair Rounds, and Ranking Member Reed.

00:10Of course, this is such an important hearing, and I appreciate, General Hartman,

00:16our meetings that we had yesterday, and your team, all of your service,

00:22your commitment to the mission, and the success, because that means that we're all kept safe.

00:30And you're also here on very short notice, as we've all been talking about,

00:35and we appreciate that as well.

00:38And so I look forward to continuing our conversations and our continued partnership to ensure that success,

00:44and, like my colleagues, I want to begin by addressing a matter of significant concern,

00:49the sudden and inexplicable firing of General Hawk,

00:52a trusted and dedicated Air Force officer for over 34 years, a true patriot.

01:00His abrupt and unjustified removal was conducted in the dead of night,

01:04with absolutely no consultation with Congress, the full committee, or this subcommittee.

01:10And, according to press reports, it was at the request of a private individual outside of the government,

01:17outside the chain of command, who has a long record of peddling in vicious, vicious conspiracy theories.

01:24This action compromises cyber comms and the NSA ability to keep Americans safe.

01:31The United States faces major cyber threats from foreign adversaries, China, Russia, Iran,

01:38near-daily cyber attacks in our critical infrastructure.

01:40And at the same time, we are engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats across the globe,

01:48from Russian aggression against Ukraine, to Iranian-backed proxies in the Middle East and North Africa.

01:54Given the dangers facing the U.S. and our troops, it is inexplicable and unconscionable that the President would,

02:00at the mere request of an online provocateur, remove the leader of cyber comm, completely without cause,

02:08and in doing so, risk undermining vital intelligence operations.

02:13Moreover, General Hawk has been a trusted leader.

02:16His experience and expertise have been crucial in guiding and shaping the efforts of U.S. Cyber Command

02:21and our overall national defense posture.

02:25At a time when our adversaries are constantly evolving their cyber capabilities,

02:30whether it's from state actors like Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea,

02:33or non-state actors with nefarious intent,

02:37leadership, continuity, and clear vision are more critical than ever.

02:42Cybersecurity and cyber operations are not and cannot be a partisan issue.

02:48It is a national security imperative.

02:51And the threat environment, as we all know, continues to intensify every single day.

02:57We must maintain experienced leadership to counter the ever-evolving cyber challenges facing our country.

03:04As members of this committee and the full committee,

03:07we must demand clarity from the administration about the rationale for this decision.

03:11And we must not rest until we have answers and accountability from both President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.

03:18This afternoon, though, our focus will be on our nation's cyber capabilities

03:23and how Congress can help support the critical work that cybercom personnel do every single day.

03:30I might say 24 hours a day.

03:3224-7, 365.

03:34And so I look forward to hearing from General Hartman and to discussing how we can meet our nation's challenge.

03:41And today, in the future, and over the course of this Congress, again,

03:46I know how much, General Hartman, you are invested in the mission of cybercom,

03:51how much you know about it, your experience, your expertise,

03:55and how invested you are in the ongoing success in combating cyber threats going forward.

04:01And I do look forward to working with you on that.

04:05So thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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