NASCIO VP, Okla. CIO James “Bo” Reese Testifies on State Impact of Federal Cybersecurity Regulations before Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C., Wednesday, June 21 — Today NASCIO Vice President and Oklahoma Chief Information Officer, James “Bo” Reese, testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at their hearing, “Cybersecurity Regulation Harmonization.” Reese’s testimony focused on the impact that federal cybersecurity regulations have on state IT consolidation/optimization and cybersecurity investments. Reese stressed the need for greater collaboration and partnership with federal regulatory agencies. 

“State CIOs understand and appreciate the responsibility of government to secure citizens’ information and we see this as a shared goal between federal and state partners. We are extremely pleased that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has dedicated its attention to this important issue. We hope to continue the work they have highlighted and would appreciate the opportunity to work with our federal counterparts to ensure that we protect citizens’ information without undue burden to state governments,” said Reese about the hearing.   

In his testimony, Reese brought attention to several federal cybersecurity regulations that pose obstacles for state IT consolidation/optimization and risk-based cybersecurity investments. Reese also called on federal regulatory agencies to normalize the federal cybersecurity compliance audit process which encourages states to make counterproductive compliance investments instead of ones based on risk.

To read the full testimony of Vice President Reese, click here.

To watch a recording of the full hearing, click here.