May 24, 2018

Senate Defense Authorization Act calls for cyber doctrine panel

Joe Uchill

A logo for suspected-Russian hackers Fancy Bear from a security firm's promotional material, as seen in front of the German Parliament, which Russia is believed to have hacked. Photo: Sean Gallup / Getty

The Senate's version of the National Defense Authorization Act, passed Thursday afternoon, would create the Cyberspace Solarium Commission — a 13-person committee containing representatives from both elected branches of government and the private sector to suggest a concrete national policy for cyber warfare.

Why it matters: Senators like Ben Sasse (R-Neb.,) who drafted the Solarium language, and John McCain (R-Ariz.) have long argued that the U.S. needs a definitive cyber doctrine explaining what the U.S. responses will be to which types of cyber attacks and when cyber or physical engagement is necessary.

The background: The complaint predates the Trump administration — both the current president and Barack Obama argued that having no doctrine gives them greater flexibility.

The Solarium Commission's name is taken from President Eisenhower's commission to determine cold war strategy.

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Senate Defense Authorization Act calls for cyber doctrine panel

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