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[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1993 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

106th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1993

To reform Government information security by strengthening information 
         security practices throughout the Federal Government.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           November 19, 1999

 Mr. Thompson (for himself and Mr. Lieberman) introduced the following 
      bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
                          Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
To reform Government information security by strengthening information 
         security practices throughout the Federal Government.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Government Information Security Act 
of 1999''.

SEC. 2. COORDINATION OF FEDERAL INFORMATION POLICY.

    Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
at the end the following:

                 ``SUBCHAPTER II--INFORMATION SECURITY

``Sec. 3531. Purposes
    ``The purposes of this subchapter are to--
            ``(1) provide a comprehensive framework for establishing 
        and ensuring the effectiveness of controls over information 
        resources that support Federal operations and assets;
            ``(2)(A) recognize the highly networked nature of the 
        Federal computing environment including the need for Federal 
        Government interoperability and, in the implementation of 
        improved security management measures, assure that 
        opportunities for interoperability are not adversely affected; 
        and
            ``(B) provide effective governmentwide management and 
        oversight of the related information security risks, including 
        coordination of information security efforts throughout the 
        civilian, national security, and law enforcement communities;
            ``(3) provide for development and maintenance of minimum 
        controls required to protect Federal information and 
        information systems; and
            ``(4) provide a mechanism for improved oversight of Federal 
        agency information security programs.
``Sec. 3532. Definitions
    ``(a) Except as provided under subsection (b), the definitions 
under section 3502 shall apply to this subchapter.
    ``(b) As used in this subchapter the term `information technology' 
has the meaning given that term in section 5002 of the Clinger-Cohen 
Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401).
``Sec. 3533. Authority and functions of the Director
    ``(a)(1) Consistent with subchapter I, the Director shall establish 
governmentwide policies for the management of programs that support the 
cost-effective security of Federal information systems by promoting 
security as an integral component of each agency's business operations.
    ``(2) Policies under this subsection shall--
            ``(A) be founded on a continuing risk management cycle that 
        recognizes the need to--
                    ``(i) identify, assess, and understand risk; and
                    ``(ii) determine security needs commensurate with 
                the level of risk;
            ``(B) implement controls that adequately address the risk;
            ``(C) promote continuing awareness of information security 
        risk;
            ``(D) continually monitor and evaluate policy; and
            ``(E) control effectiveness of information security 
        practices.
    ``(b) The authority under subsection (a) includes the authority 
to--
            ``(1) oversee and develop policies, principles, standards, 
        and guidelines for the handling of Federal information and 
        information resources to improve the efficiency and 
        effectiveness of governmental operations, including principles, 
        policies, and guidelines for the implementation of agency 
        responsibilities under applicable law for ensuring the privacy, 
        confidentiality, and security of Federal information;
            ``(2) consistent with the standards and guidelines 
        promulgated under section 5131 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 
        (40 U.S.C. 1441) and sections 5 and 6 of the Computer Security 
        Act of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note; Public Law 100-235; 101 Stat. 
        1729), require Federal agencies to identify and afford security 
        protections commensurate with the risk and magnitude of the 
        harm resulting from the loss, misuse, or unauthorized access to 
        or modification of information collected or maintained by or on 
        behalf of an agency;
            ``(3) direct the heads of agencies to coordinate such 
        agencies and coordinate with industry to--
                    ``(A) identify, use, and share best security 
                practices; and
                    ``(B) develop voluntary consensus-based standards 
                for security controls, in a manner consistent with 
                section 2(b)(13) of the National Institute of Standards 
                and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)(13));
            ``(4) oversee the development and implementation of 
        standards and guidelines relating to security controls for 
        Federal computer systems by the Secretary of Commerce through 
        the National Institute of Standards and Technology under 
        section 5131 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1441) 
        and section 20 of the National Institute of Standards and 
        Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-3);
            ``(5) oversee and coordinate compliance with this section 
        in a manner consistent with--
                    ``(A) sections 552 and 552a of title 5;
                    ``(B) sections 20 and 21 of the National Institute 
                of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-3 and 
                278g-4);
                    ``(C) section 5131 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 
                (40 U.S.C. 1441);
                    ``(D) sections 5 and 6 of the Computer Security Act 
                of 1987 (40 U.S.C. 759 note; Public Law 100-235; 101 
                Stat. 1729); and
                    ``(E) related information management laws; and
            ``(6) take any authorized action that the Director 
        considers appropriate, including any action involving the 
        budgetary process or appropriations management process, to 
        enforce accountability of the head of an agency for information 
        resources management and for the investments made by the agency 
        in information technology, including--
                    ``(A) recommending a reduction or an increase in 
                any amount for information resources that the head of 
                the agency proposes for the budget submitted to 
                Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31;
                    ``(B) reducing or otherwise adjusting 
                apportionments and reapportionments of appropriations 
                for information resources; and
                    ``(C) using other authorized administrative 
                controls over appropriations to restrict the 
                availability of funds for information resources.
    ``(c) The authority under this section may be delegated only to the 
Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget.
``Sec. 3534. Federal agency responsibilities
    ``(a) The head of each agency shall--
            ``(1) be responsible for--
                    ``(A) adequately protecting the integrity, 
                confidentiality, and availability of information and 
                information systems supporting agency operations and 
                assets; and
                    ``(B) developing and implementing information 
                security policies, procedures, and control techniques 
                sufficient to afford security protections commensurate 
                with the risk and magnitude of the harm resulting from 
                unauthorized disclosure, disruption, modification, or 
                destruction of information collected or maintained by 
                or for the agency;
            ``(2) ensure that each senior program manager is 
        responsible for--
                    ``(A) assessing the information security risk 
                associated with the operations and assets of such 
                manager;
                    ``(B) determining the levels of information 
                security appropriate to protect the operations and 
                assets of such manager; and
                    ``(C) periodically testing and evaluating 
                information security controls and techniques;
            ``(3) delegate to the agency Chief Information Officer 
        established under section 3506, or a comparable official in an 
        agency not covered by such section, the authority to administer 
        all functions under this subchapter including--
                    ``(A) designating a senior agency information 
                security officer;
                    ``(B) developing and maintaining an agencywide 
                information security program as required under 
                subsection (b);
                    ``(C) ensuring that the agency effectively 
                implements and maintains information security policies, 
                procedures, and control techniques;
                    ``(D) training and overseeing personnel with 
                significant responsibilities for information security 
                with respect to such responsibilities; and
                    ``(E) assisting senior program managers concerning 
                responsibilities under paragraph (2);
            ``(4) ensure that the agency has trained personnel 
        sufficient to assist the agency in complying with the 
        requirements of this subchapter and related policies, 
        procedures, standards, and guidelines; and
            ``(5) ensure that the agency Chief Information Officer, in 
        coordination with senior program managers, periodically--
                    ``(A)(i) evaluates the effectiveness of the agency 
                information security program, including testing control 
                techniques; and
                    ``(ii) implements appropriate remedial actions 
                based on that evaluation; and
                    ``(B) reports to the agency head on--
                            ``(i) the results of such tests and 
                        evaluations; and
                            ``(ii) the progress of remedial actions.
    ``(b)(1) Each agency shall develop and implement an agencywide 
information security program to provide information security for the 
operations and assets of the agency, including information security 
provided or managed by another agency.
    ``(2) Each program under this subsection shall include--
            ``(A) periodic assessments of information security risks 
        that consider internal and external threats to--
                    ``(i) the integrity, confidentiality, and 
                availability of systems; and
                    ``(ii) data supporting critical operations and 
                assets;
            ``(B) policies and procedures that--
                    ``(i) are based on the risk assessments required 
                under paragraph (1) that cost-effectively reduce 
                information security risks to an acceptable level; and
                    ``(ii) ensure compliance with--
                            ``(I) the requirements of this subchapter;
                            ``(II) policies and procedures as may be 
                        prescribed by the Director; and
                            ``(III) any other applicable requirements;
            ``(C) security awareness training to inform personnel of--
                    ``(i) information security risks associated with 
                personnel activities; and
                    ``(ii) responsibilities of personnel in complying 
                with agency policies and procedures designed to reduce 
                such risks;
            ``(D)(i) periodic management testing and evaluation of the 
        effectiveness of information security policies and procedures; 
        and
            ``(ii) a process for ensuring remedial action to address 
        any deficiencies; and
            ``(E) procedures for detecting, reporting, and responding 
        to security incidents, including--
                    ``(i) mitigating risks associated with such 
                incidents before substantial damage occurs;
                    ``(ii) notifying and consulting with law 
                enforcement officials and other offices and 
                authorities; and
                    ``(iii) notifying and consulting with an office 
                designated by the Administrator of General Services 
                within the General Services Administration.
    ``(3) Each program under this subsection is subject to the approval 
of the Director and is required to be reviewed at least annually by 
agency program officials in consultation with the Chief Information 
Officer.
    ``(c)(1) Each agency shall examine the adequacy and effectiveness 
of information security policies, procedures, and practices in plans 
and reports relating to--
            ``(A) annual agency budgets;
            ``(B) information resources management under the Paperwork 
        Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 101 note);
            ``(C) program performance under sections 1105 and 1115 
        through 1119 of title 31, and sections 2801 through 2805 of 
        title 39; and
            ``(D) financial management under--
                    ``(i) chapter 9 of title 31, United States Code, 
                and the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (31 U.S.C. 
                501 note; Public Law 101-576) (and the amendments made 
                by that Act);
                    ``(ii) the Federal Financial Management Improvement 
                Act of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 3512 note) (and the amendments 
                made by that Act); and
                    ``(iii) the internal controls conducted under 
                section 3512 of title 31.
    ``(2) Any deficiency in a policy, procedure, or practice identified 
under paragraph (1) shall be reported as a material weakness in 
reporting required under the applicable provision of law under 
paragraph (1).
``Sec. 3535. Annual independent evaluation
    ``(a)(1) Each year each agency shall have an independent evaluation 
performed of the information security program and practices of that 
agency.
    ``(2) Each evaluation under this section shall include--
            ``(A) an assessment of compliance with--
                    ``(i) the requirements of this subchapter; and
                    ``(ii) related information security policies, 
                procedures, standards, and guidelines; and
            ``(B) tests of the effectiveness of information security 
        control techniques.
    ``(b)(1) For agencies with Inspectors General appointed under the 
Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), annual evaluations 
required under this section shall be performed by the Inspector General 
or by an independent external auditor, as determined by the Inspector 
General of the agency.
    ``(2) For any agency to which paragraph (1) does not apply, the 
head of the agency shall contract with an independent external auditor 
to perform the evaluation.
    ``(3) An evaluation of agency information security programs and 
practices performed by the Comptroller General may be in lieu of the 
evaluation required under this section.
    ``(c) Not later than March 1, 2001, and every March 1 thereafter, 
the results of an evaluation required under this section shall be 
submitted to the Director.
    ``(d) Each year the Comptroller General shall--
            ``(1) review the evaluations required under this section 
        and other information security evaluation results; and
            ``(2) report to Congress regarding the adequacy of agency 
        information programs and practices.
    ``(e) Agencies and auditors shall take appropriate actions to 
ensure the protection of information, the disclosure of which may 
adversely affect information security. Such protections shall be 
commensurate with the risk and comply with all applicable laws.''.

SEC. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CERTAIN AGENCIES.

    (a) Department of Commerce.--The Secretary of Commerce, through the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology and with technical 
assistance from the National Security Agency, shall--
            (1) develop, issue, review, and update standards and 
        guidance for the security of information in Federal computer 
        systems, including development of methods and techniques for 
        security systems and validation programs;
            (2) develop, issue, review, and update guidelines for 
        training in computer security awareness and accepted computer 
        security practices, with assistance from the Office of 
        Personnel Management;
            (3) provide agencies with guidance for security planning to 
        assist in the development of applications and system security 
        plans for such agencies;
            (4) provide guidance and assistance to agencies concerning 
        cost-effective controls when interconnecting with other 
        systems; and
            (5) evaluate information technologies to assess security 
        vulnerabilities and alert Federal agencies of such 
        vulnerabilities.
    (b) Department of Justice.--The Department of Justice shall review 
and update guidance to agencies on--
            (1) legal remedies regarding security incidents and ways to 
        report to and work with law enforcement agencies concerning 
        such incidents; and
            (2) permitted uses of security techniques and technologies.
    (c) General Services Administration.--The General Services 
Administration shall--
            (1) review and update General Services Administration 
        guidance to agencies on addressing security considerations when 
        acquiring information technology; and
            (2) assist agencies in the acquisition of cost-effective 
        security products, services, and incident response 
        capabilities.
    (d) Office of Personnel Management.--The Office of Personnel 
Management shall--
            (1) review and update Office of Personnel Management 
        regulations concerning computer security training for Federal 
        civilian employees; and
            (2) assist the Department of Commerce in updating and 
        maintaining guidelines for training in computer security 
        awareness and computer security best practices.

SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the table of sections--
                    (A) by inserting after the chapter heading the 
                following:

             ``SUBCHAPTER I--FEDERAL INFORMATION POLICY'';

                and
                    (B) by inserting after the item relating to section 
                3520 the following:

                 ``SUBCHAPTER II--INFORMATION SECURITY

``Sec.
``3531. Purposes.
``3532. Definitions.
``3533. Authority and functions of the Director.
``3534. Federal agency responsibilities.
``3535. Annual independent evaluation.'';
                and
            (2) by inserting before section 3501 the following:

             ``SUBCHAPTER I--FEDERAL INFORMATION POLICY''.

    (b) References to Chapter 35.--Chapter 35 of title 44, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section 3501--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                striking ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``chapter'' and 
                inserting ``subchapter'';
            (2) in section 3502, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
        by striking ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (3) in section 3503, in subsection (b), by striking 
        ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (4) in section 3504--
                    (A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (B) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter''; and
                    (C) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (5) in section 3505--
                    (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding 
                paragraph (1), by striking ``chapter'' and inserting 
                ``subchapter'';
                    (B) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter''; and
                    (C) in subsection (a)(3)(B)(iii), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (6) in section 3506--
                    (A) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (B) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (C) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (D) in subsection (a)(3)--
                            (i) in the first sentence, by striking 
                        ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''; and
                            (ii) in the second sentence, by striking 
                        ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (E) in subsection (b)(4), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (F) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``chapter, 
                to'' and inserting ``subchapter, to''; and
                    (G) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (7) in section 3507--
                    (A) in subsection (e)(3)(B), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (B) in subsection (h)(2)(B), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (C) in subsection (h)(3), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (D) in subsection (j)(1)(A)(i), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (E) in subsection (j)(1)(B), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''; and
                    (F) in subsection (j)(2), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (8) in section 3509, by striking ``chapter'' and inserting 
        ``subchapter'';
            (9) in section 3512--
                    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``chapter if'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter if''; and
                    (B) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
            (10) in section 3514--
                    (A) in subsection (a)(1)(A), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''; and
                    (B) in subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii), by striking 
                ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter'' each place it 
                appears;
            (11) in section 3515, by striking ``chapter'' and inserting 
        ``subchapter'';
            (12) in section 3516, by striking ``chapter'' and inserting 
        ``subchapter'';
            (13) in section 3517(b), by striking ``chapter'' and 
        inserting ``subchapter'';
            (14) in section 3518--
                    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``chapter'' and 
                inserting ``subchapter'' each place it appears;
                    (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``chapter'' and 
                inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (C) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (D) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``chapter'' 
                and inserting ``subchapter'';
                    (E) in subsection (d), by striking ``chapter'' and 
                inserting ``subchapter''; and
                    (F) in subsection (e), by striking ``chapter'' and 
                inserting ``subchapter''; and
            (15) in section 3520, by striking ``chapter'' and inserting 
        ``subchapter''.

SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect 30 
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
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