WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a roundtable with government and industry experts to discuss bipartisan legislation he authored to update and make permanent the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). The bill would ensure federal agencies are able to quickly and securely adopt cloud-based technologies that improve how the government is able to deliver digital services to the American people. Peters and the participants examined how the legislation will make FedRAMP more accountable to the American people, improve federal cybersecurity, and create private sector jobs in companies that provide cloud services. As hackers continue targeting cloud service companies, Peters’ legislation will help make sure these systems – and the information they store – are secure when being used by federal agencies.
“I was pleased to hear from a diverse group of public and private sector experts today on the importance of FedRAMP and how cloud-based technology can help improve government efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. Today’s roundtable confirmed that updating and making this critical program permanent will also help create jobs and ensure our nation’s long-term competitiveness in this space,” said Senator Peters. “I’ll continue working to pass my bipartisan reforms to help federal agencies quickly and securely adopt cloud-based systems.”
To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here.
To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click here.
At the hearing, Peters and the participants discussed how FedRAMP has rapidly evolved, and what changes are needed to ensure that federal agencies can securely and effectively use cloud-based technologies that improve government efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. The roundtable also highlighted the importance of passing Peters’ bipartisan bill that streamlines the process by which cloud products are deemed safe and can receive FedRAMP authorization, establishes metrics to ensure proper implementation of FedRAMP, and requires the creation of a Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee to improve communication between federal agencies who utilize cloud technologies and the companies that provide them.
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