Subcommittee Chairmen Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Josh Brecheen (R-OK) addressed the House Committee on Homeland Security in a hearing focused on the effects of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and cloud infrastructure, on the United States’ cybersecurity. The hearing included participation from companies such as Anthropic, Google, and Quantum Xchange.
In his opening statement, Chairman Ogles highlighted the increasing integration of advanced technologies into government operations and critical infrastructure. He noted that while these developments offer new capabilities for defense and resilience, they also introduce risks that outpace existing security frameworks.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the pace and character of cyber activity. It allows information to be processed at speeds far beyond human capacity, enables automation across complex networks, and supports decision making at scale. These capabilities can strengthen cyber defense and improve resilience. However, they can also be exploited to accelerate malicious activity, expand the reach of cyber operations, and make hostile actions more difficult to detect, attribute, and disrupt,” Ogles said.
He further emphasized that cloud computing provides modernization benefits but centralizes data in shared environments where security lapses can have significant consequences. Quantum computing was described as a long-term challenge due to its potential impact on encryption standards that currently secure sensitive communications.
Ogles referenced increased investments by countries like China and Russia in advanced digital technologies as part of their national strategies for cyber operations. He said China’s approach links government, military, academia, and private sector efforts for rapid adaptation of innovations to state purposes: “In cyberspace... automated tools [are used] to scan networks, identify vulnerabilities, manage stolen credentials, and analyze large volumes of data across many targets simultaneously.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency were recognized for their work developing security practices around cloud services, AI risk management frameworks, and future-proofing encryption methods.
Chairman Brecheen focused his remarks on recent incidents involving AI-driven cyberattacks. He cited an attack using Anthropic’s AI systems as evidence that sophisticated campaigns can now occur with minimal human involvement: “The recent cyber-attack leveraging Anthropic’s AI infrastructure showed that complex attack campaigns can now be conducted with little-to-no human intervention at speeds faster than any human could replicate.”
Brecheen raised concerns about adversaries accessing U.S.-developed AI technology even if domestic safeguards are implemented: “Even if U.S.-based AI companies can put safeguards against using their models for cyberattacks, cyber threat actors will find other ways to access this technology.”
He called attention to ongoing Chinese efforts in technological advancement through intellectual property theft via cyber espionage targeting American businesses and government entities.
From an oversight standpoint Brecheen advocated for proactive federal agency measures to protect networks rather than reacting after breaches occur. He urged closer collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners in adopting best practices for cybersecurity: “This is an area where the federal government can partner with...the private sector to implement best practices.” He also called for improved information sharing between federal bodies and external stakeholders.
Both chairmen stated Congress has a key role in ensuring that security keeps pace with technological adoption without hindering innovation.
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