27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – National/Regional Security

Representative Nancy Mace underscored that cybersecurity and advanced technology policy are vital to U.S. national security and to the security of allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Drawing on a bipartisan congressional delegation visit to the region, she emphasized the importance of understanding both traditional military threats and non-kinetic challenges, including cyber, economic, and technological risks.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she highlighted ongoing work through the National Defense Authorization Act to address emerging security issues. She also discussed her leadership role as chair of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee under House Oversight, where much of her technology-related legislative work takes place. Mace stressed that cybersecurity policy is largely bipartisan, noting collaboration with members across the political spectrum on initiatives such as quantum computing legislation signed into law by President Biden.

She pointed to the growing strategic significance of Taiwan and broader Indo-Pacific security concerns, arguing that the U.S. must strengthen both defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. Mace emphasized the increasing collaboration between the Department of Defense and the private sector particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning as critical to maintaining technological and military competitiveness.

She concluded by encouraging continued engagement between industry experts and lawmakers, stressing that effective legislation depends on input from those working directly in technology and cybersecurity to avoid unintended consequences and to ensure policies enhance, rather than hinder, national and allied security.