Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) issued the below statement following a Microsoft-CrowdStrike technology failure that resulted in major, worldwide disruptions across multiple industries. 

“Today’s Microsoft outage is a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist on even our most secure networks. As a former naval cryptologist, I strongly believe we must leverage and combine the strengths of government, industry, and academia to improve these networks while we combat the rise in threats to our digital environment,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Challenges within our cyber infrastructure will only increase in frequency and intensity. We must be prepared to both prevent and overcome them.”

In June, Congressman Gonzales questioned Microsoft’s Vice Chairman and President, Brad Smith, during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing focused on assessing Microsoft’s cybersecurity shortfalls.

Congressman Gonzales authored the National Digital Reserve Corps Act. This bill would create a National Digital Reserve Corps, a group of civilian individuals with relevant skills and credentials to address digital and cyber needs across the federal government and other areas where national security matters are at risk.