another representative joins us, representative michael mccaul.everal bills this week specifically dealing with cyber security. what is the message? guest: is an historic week. we of not have legislation like this on the floor in the history of the congress, and i think the message is america is under attack. we have been hacked into in the private sector and the federal government -- about $1 trillion of intellectual property has been stolen from the united states from countries primarily like china. if you look 50 espionage, it is more frightening. -- at the espionage, it is more frightening. they stole plans for a fighter plane. that is just one example. they are interested in satellite and rocket technology. when you look the cyber warfare, that keeps me up at night. that is the ability to go in and hit critical infrastructure through the quick of a mouse, bringing down power grids, nuclear plants, financial institutions, s.a. a -- you name it. -- faa -- you name it. we are attempting to harden the federal networks so they cannot steal this in

representative michael mccaul, a texas republican, will talk about cybersecurity -- he chairs the homelandoversight. we will take your questions about the future of the postal service. and we will be joined by our and we will be joined by our

host: representative michael mccaul. thank you for your time. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2011] >> what part of the constitution was important to them and why. today's first prize winner in middle school selected the first amendment. >> every night millions of americans sit down in front of their tv to watch the news. they read the morning newspaper with a cup of coffee or they scan the internet for the most recent updates. the first amendment is one of the most cherished freedoms americans have. it is essential to the well-being of our democracy. what challenges does this face in the 21st century? >> freedom of the press is one of the bedrocks of the u.s. constitution. of our democracy, frankly. >> jefferson and the founding fathers really understood that government, without a vibrant bress, was ultimately going to become a government not of and for the people. >> it used later transparency into the entire process of democracy. it's a way for the public to keep tabs

michael mccaul joins us. we'll take your questions about the future of the postal service.will be joined by our first prize student cannot winner. --student cam winner. washington journal is live on c- span at 7:00 a.m. eastern. >> this stu yearsdent cam -- this year's student cam competition asked students what is important across the country. this winner selected article 5. ♪ >> think about the progress we have made in the last two centuries. we were a country for aristocrats. but now we are a tree beacon for democracy. our prevailing emphasis on equality among the people of america law drafting the constitution has truly come to life for everyone. the real success is not that we started as a great nation, but though we installed a system for change that would enable us to become a great nation. progress is an american values. we have stumbled through masses but continued well upholding the constitution. wanted by the inclusion of the amendment process. >> if there had not been an article 5, there would not be a constitution. many of our leading citizens, including thomas

i want to thank my fellow texan, representative michael mccaul, for his very capable leadership, for his wonderful opening statement. it allows me to expect less time. . his knowledge of cybersecurity issues is a very important asset to this congress and benefit to the nation and i'm pleased to join him as a co-sponsor of h.r. 2096, the cybersecurity enhancement act of 2012. as he stated so eloquently, as i rely on information technology expands, so do our vulnerabilities. protecting the nation's cyberinfrastructure is a responsibility shared by a number of different federal agencies, including the national science foundation and national institute of standards and technology. h.r. 2096 primarily addresses cybersecurity research and development efforts conducted at or led by these agencies. it re-authorizes existing by expired research and education programs at n.s.f. while eliminating two unnecessary programs and enhances scholarships to increase the size and skill to the federal cybersecurity work force. it strengthens the cybersecurity r&d education, and awareness of nist and it p