by Matthew Enright
The senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Homeland Security Committee, Langevin has been one of the leading proponents of cybersecurity for years and continues to emphasize it as one of his top legislative goals if given a return trip to Washington.
“Cybersecurity is the top security issue of the 21st century,” he said. “It’s both a challenge on the security side but also to our economy as well as protection of our privacy and civil liberties.”
He also points to creating an educated workforce as a focal point of his efforts.
“It’s either going to be going to a college or university will be essential, or it’s going to be an associate’s degree or advanced training and a career in tech,” he said. “Making sure young people are aware of these opportunities and to focus on them having the right support to go into these areas is something I’m going to continue to focus on,” he says.
While a strong supporter of Hilary Clinton in the presidential election, Langevin also touts his bipartisan record and willingness to cross the aisle. Among the Republicans he works with are Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee Michael McCall (R-TX) and Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-PA).
”At the end of the day, we’ve got to come together as a country, we have to reach out across the aisle and govern in a bipartisan way, it’s the best way to get things done.”
Langevin sees this upcoming election as a job application.
“I have to reapply for my job every two years, the voters have the prerogative of changing who represents them,” he said. “I’ve never viewed this seat or any elected position as anybody’s birthright. I am a steward of a position that belongs to the people, and it’s their decision as to who they want to hold that position and whether they want to see me re-elected or want to have a change.”
