Hoyer Delivers Remarks at Dedication Ceremony for UMD's Northrop Grumman Laboratory

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks today at a dedication ceremony for the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) Northrop Grumman laboratory at the University of Maryland. The new laboratory is part of a $1.1 million grant from Northrop Grumman to support UMD's ACES program, the nation's first cybersecurity honors program for undergraduates. The program is designed to train future leaders in the cybersecurity industry. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Good morning. This is an exciting moment for the Honors College, for the entire university community, and for the state of Maryland.

"The ACES program and this new laboratory represent Maryland's leadership in the field of cybersecurity.

"It is also a testament to the power of innovative public-private partnerships to connect students with in-demand skills and to train a generation of cybersecurity leaders.

"I'm proud that this work is being done right here in Maryland - and I'm not at all surprised that Northrop Grumman chose to invest here at the University of Maryland.

"Northrop Grumman is one of America's most important innovators and manufactures, and it plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe.

"Protecting against cyber threats demands an all-hands-on-deck approach and Northrop Grumman's partnership with the Honors College through their innovative ACES program is training 112 of the best and brightest students to meet the cybersecurity challenges our nation now faces and will encounter in the future.

"I want to thank Chancellor Kirwan and President Loh for their continued efforts to make the University of Maryland a national leader in defense, intelligence, and cybersercurity technology development - as well as a place where these technologies are commercialized as part of a growing regional economy.

"As Maryland officials continue to make the case for moving the FBI headquarters to our state, this lab will make it even more obvious why there is no better location for that facility than nearby some of the most cutting-edge cybersecurity research being undertaken in our country.

"I want to thank Sydnee, Greg, and the rest of the students in the ACES program for their interest in a discipline that will surely make a difference for our country and our economy in the years ahead."