Bill would give president emergency powers in cyber attack.

• Position: CYBER CRIME

A Senate bill still in its early stages has sparked controversy and questions because of a provision that would give the president the power to shut down and disconnect public and private computer networks in the event of a national emergency or cyber attack.

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The bill (S. 773), a revision of the Cybersecurity Act of 2009, includes language giving the president the authority to direct responses to cyber attacks and declare a cyber emergency. It was originally introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D--W.Va.) in April.

A revised version, now co-sponsored by Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), is garnering criticism from technology leaders for its presidential powers provision, which would give the sitting president emergency control over the nation's "critical infrastructure" industries--defined in the bill as including power and transportation--that are integral to the country's operation, media sources said.

However, FCW.com said one section of the bill allows the president to "order the disconnection of any federal government or United States critical infrastructure information systems or networks in the interest of national security."

According to FCW.com, the bill also would require developing a national cybersecurity strategy that includes giving the president emergency powers. It proposes...