A look at the week of January 9 in public advocacy for the IT channel: With Congress on recess until the end of January, Beltway publications have been focusing on the 2012 legislative agenda.  National Journal gives an overview of where cyber and cloud legislation currently stands in both houses and what to expect when Congress reconvenes.  Additionally, a recent report on U.S. competitiveness calls for investment in technology education.


Tech Policy Items to Watch on the Hill - National Journal reports that leaders in both chambers have promised to move forward with wide-ranging cybersecurity legislation this year. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) plans to bring comprehensive cybersecurity legislation to the floor during the first month of work after the Senate returns on Jan. 23. The House, however, is more skeptical of a comprehensive bill.  Last year, the House Republican Cybersecurity Task Force proposed developing smaller pieces of legislation in the various standing committees that could be packaged into a larger bill. House members have proposed several bills, including one from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) that aims to allow the government to share more information with businesses.


National Journal also reports that significant legislation on cloud computing has been delayed in Congress. Many industry leaders say legislation is needed to clarify existing law and provide certainty to encourage investment in the new technology.  Last year, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Cloud Computing Act of 2011 which floundered after Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) who was originally floated as a cosponsor, withdrew his support. Late last year Klobuchar said she is working with new authors to introduce the bill.


U.S. Competitiveness Report Calls for Investments in Technology Education - The Commerce Department released a report on U.S. competitiveness that highlights the need for federal investments in basic research, science education and infrastructure like broadband and the electric grid, says The Hill. The comprehensive report on competitiveness was mandated as part of the reauthorization of the America Competes Act signed by President Obama one year ago. The report's key findings emphasize how federal investments can pay broad and unforeseen dividends, like the invention of the Internet.