Issue Report: Cybersecurity

Each issue team gave short presentations on their priorities for SA to DC. Below is the report from the leaders of the Cybersecurity issue team, led by John Dickson, Principal, Denim Group.

Israel Ambassador Reaffirms Ties with US

Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to the United States, described the religious and historical roots of the complex and enduring Israeli-American relationship.  Military cooperation, shared economic growth in high-tech innovation and a common interest in environmental protection have augmented that relationship and play an important role in exchanges between San Antonio and Israel.  Mayor Castro,for instance, signed a memorandum of understanding in 2011 with an Israeli company for cooperation on recycled water:
http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=229499

Oren also mentioned Lyndon B. Johnson's reference to Israel as "America's Alamo in the Middle East," a reference that Israelis appreciate as a high honor, but one that — given the fate of the defenders — they don't particularly care to emulate.

The dinner was sponsored by BCFS Health and Human Services and is a highlight of the trip.

Congressman Smith Working on Bipartisan Projects

Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee, has a poster in his office from the Hubble Space Telescope’s Ultra-Deep Field survey. The image depicts a small area of the sky notable for its low density of bright stars – a dark area, The Hubble image reveals that this dark area actually contains thousands of galaxies each consisting of billions of stars.

Smith suggested that there’s a metaphysical interpretation of that image for today’s dysfunctional environment in Washington: Even in the darkest times, it’s possible to find sources of light. As a committee chairman, Smith has been a trailblazer in hosting bipartisan committee retreats.

Mayor Castro and Congressman Castro to kickoff SA to DC events

SA to DC 2013 starts off with a bang this year with a lively discussion on three topics with Mayor Julián Castro and Congressman Joaquin Castro, moderated by National Journal Editorial Director Ron Fournier. The opening event is a rare opportunity to catch the two together and talk about federal and local priorities on education, military relations and immigration reform.

Fournier has also made recent headlines because he joined several seasoned journalists to challenge White House tactics on their recent management of press relationships. He is also outspoken about the broken politics across our nation's capitol. In fact, today's blog suggests that President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner need to grow up. 

Read it here:

Adult Leadership Required to Clean Up the Mess in Washington

by Ron Fournier

San Antonio is a Navy town now

Home for the Air Force, yes. Home for the Army, absolutely. San Antonio, now the home of all medical training for all branches of the military now has some of the largest training programs for the Navy too. Assistant Secretary of the US Navy, Juan Garcia III talked with the SA to DC delegation Tuesday morning.

San Antonio Sends More than 100 Business and Elected Leaders to Washington, DC

A record number of business and community leaders from San Antonio are gearing up for The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s 32nd Annual SA to DC trip March 21-24. And the timing could not be more critical.

Participants have scheduled small group visits with legislators and members of the administration regarding 12 issues that are identified as priority for San Antonio. Priorities for this year are: aerospace, air quality, bioscience, education, health care, immigration, information technology, international trade, military, small business, transportation and water.

“What makes this trip so impactful is that lawmakers hear a unified voice from our city on critical issues that face our community,” said Chamber President and CEO Richard Perez.

Key individuals attending this year’s event include Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, and City Manager Sheryl Sculley. The business community will be represented by CEOs, Presidents, local Superintendents and other executives from the area’s largest industry sectors.

The 2010 Legislative Agenda is full of topics that can shape the future of San Antonio in many areas. A complete legislative agenda, schedule and list of participants is available and being updated daily online at The Chamber’s SA to DC web site. The SA to DC trip is produced in partnership with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Schedule highlights:
Monday, March 22
• “Washington Political Update” presented by former Congressional Representatives Jim Chapman and Susan Molinari (Bracewell & Giuliani)
• visit to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and briefing by US Chamber President, Tom Donohue
• a group representing San Antonio’s military affairs interests will visit the Pentagon
• reception at the Canadian Embassy

Tuesday, March 23
• presentation on national security by the former Director of the National Security Agency and Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Michael Hayden, USAF Gen. (ret)
• briefing on cyber security from Dr. Peter Fonash, Chief Technology Officer, Cyber Security and Communications, Department of Homeland Security
• discussion on the challenges in the Washington DC school district by Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of Washington, DC Schools

Wednesday, March 24• briefing from the Federal Highway Administrator, Victor M. Mendez