2014 NJ Senate debate: on Technology

Cory Booker: Fix crumbling rail & road with National Infrastructure Bank

American rail infrastructure, once considered the best in the world, now ranks eighteenth, plagued by congested choke points and crossings that force trains to travel at inefficient low speeds.

This has real economic consequences: a weak national infrastructure not only raises production costs and reduces productivity for American businesses, but also discourages foreign investment and development. We can create jobs and strengthen our infrastructure for decades to come by creating a national infrastructure bank that leverages public funding to increase private investment in American roads, bridges, airports, marine ports and other assets

Cory Booker: Invest in Next-Gen air traffic; broadband, and smart grid

• Increase funding for Next Gen Satellite-based airplane traffic control system: A safe and efficient air travel system is central to our economy. But the US air traffic control system--a ground-based, radar system developed in the 1950s--has not been upgraded in decades. With Next-Gen GPS-based technology, businesses can count on a faster and more reliable air transport system.
• Bring broadband to underserved urban and rural communities: Nearly 19 million Americans are without broadband internet access. This is unacceptable in today's interconnected society. The internet unlocks worlds of opportunity, and no one should be deprived of the key.
• Create a national smart grid: Upgrading our electric grid to allow businesses, homes, and other end users to send energy use data back to utilities increases resiliency and stability, and can empower businesses and consumers to use energy more efficiently. Smart grid spending also generates a more than two-to-one return on investment.

Cory Booker: Protect critical infrastructure from cyberattack

We need new ways to protect the computer-connected systems that keep lights on and banks open. Years ago we decided that physical security--fences and cameras -- around sensitive sites like power plants was essential. Yet there is no requirement, or even voluntary standard, for putting virtual fences around the computers that run these facilities.

When critical infrastructure is attacked or essential data is stolen, companies need a clear way to report it to civilian authorities so that government has a picture of the threats and other companies can protect themselves from similar attacks.

Cory Booker: Technology empowers individuals but creates diverse threats