Today, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee hearing entitled “Data Security: Vulnerabilities and Opportunities for Improvement.”

“More than 15 million Americans were victims of cyber fraud or identify theft last year,” Luetkemeyer said. “While data security has been a hot topic since the latest breach, Equifax isn’t where the problem started and if we don’t act – it isn’t where the problem will end. With each attack more dangerous and more advanced than the last, it is crucial that every aspect of data security is examined.

Today’s hearing reiterated that we need to work collaboratively to reduce red tape, create a prompt notification standard, and foster harmonization among federal and state agencies charged with data security regulation. While today’s hearing did not focus on a certain bill, I intend to work with my colleagues to produce data security reform legislation in the near future. This has turned into a crisis, and the American people deserve better.”