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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to sharply increase funding for research and development to improve computer security.

The bill passed on Thursday addresses concerns that U.S. computer networks are vulnerable to attack--fears that have intensified in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. A total of 400 members supported the bill; 12 opposed its passage. The measure goes now to the Senate.

The Cyber Security Research and Development Act (HR-3394) would authorize spending $888 million over five years for computer and network security, research, and development. The National Science Foundation and the National Institute for Science and Technology would create new research programs and give grants for partnership programs between academia and industry.

Needed: Tech Skills

A common theme emerged in recent hearings on cybercrime, said Representative Lamar Smith (R-Texas), a co-sponsor of HR-3394. That message: The country has a tremendous demand for highly trained and skilled personnel to investigate computer crimes.

Two House Science Committee hearings last fall focused on the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, he said. Experts also testified of the need for a trained workforce to tackle cybercrime.

House Science Committee Chair Sherwood Boehlert (R-New York) said the government will have to invest in research, because corporate America cannot make "large investments for long-term results."

Boehlert, who also sponsored HR-3394, predicts the measure "will come to be seen as a fundamental turning point in the nation's approach to cybersecurity."

Wide Support

The White House threw its support behind the bill, as did a number of industry associations. Endorsements came from the Information Technology Association, CompTIA, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Each called the bill a crucial step toward protecting the increasing amount of work people and companies are doing on the Internet.

"As America becomes more IT dependent, it is also becoming more IT vulnerable," said Harris Miller, president of ITAA.

IEEE Research and Development Chair Ron Hira said the bill "will pay dividends not only for protection against cyberterrorism, but also for commerce and personal privacy."

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) is expected to introduce a companion measure in the Senate in a few weeks. Senator John Edwards (D-North Carolina) also introduced two cybersecurity bills in February.

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