Senate panel authorizes $10 million for White House cybersecurity team

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation Thursday authorizing $10 million to help a White House security squad battle Internet terrorism.

The bill (S. 1989) authorizes the National Cybersecurity Defense Team headed by White House aide Richard Clarke. The squad includes representatives of the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation and departments of Treasury, State, Justice, Defense and Commerce and any other agencies designated by Clarke, the special advisor to the president for cyberspace security.

The panel approved the measure by voice vote with one amendment by the bill's sponsor, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., authorizing funding for fiscal 2003. Schumer's bill sets out the team's responsibilities, which include identifying vulnerable areas of the Internet and recommending action to end the weaknesses.