Information sharing legislation has stalled in the Senate but that hasn't stopped government and industry from collaborating on cybersecurity issues.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its new Cybersecurity Leadership Council on July 7, bringing together businesses interested in promoting best practices across the private and public sector.

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"When it comes to the cybersecurity of our networks, the private sector has the capabilities and the market has produced good solutions," said Council Chairman Howard Schmidt, a partner at Ridge-Schmidt Cyber. "Now we need to focus on mitigation of cyber risks through cross-sector information sharing efforts, public and private partnerships and the improvement of cyber hygiene of businesses of all sizes."

The Leadership Council will act as the Chamber's advocates for cybersecurity initiatives, including accepted best practices and pushing for the creation of Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations first put forth by President Barack Obama in February.

The House of Representatives passed two bills in April that would establish ISAOs, however the Senate has yet to take up the issue.

More: Industry wary of House-passed cyber bills

"Although recent headlines have focused national attention on cybersecurity, the Chamber has long been active in calling for information sharing legislation and updated cybersecurity policy," said Ann Beauchesne, Chamber senior vice president for national security and emergency preparedness. "This new group will help us foster greater collaboration between government and the private sector in order to improve our nation's cybersecurity policy."

The new council is made of up Chamber businesses and associations, including:

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, ASIS International, Blackberry, CTIA-The Wireless Association, Duke Energy, Dynology , Edison Electric Institute, Food Marketing Institute, Juniper Networks, National Cable and Telecommunications Association, NCI Building Systems Inc., Prescient Solutions, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc., Southern Company, Splunk Inc., The Boeing Company, J.P. Morgan Chase and US Telecom Association.

Aaron Boyd is an awarding-winning journalist currently serving as editor of Federal Times — a Washington, D.C. institution covering federal workforce and contracting for more than 50 years — and Fifth Domain — a news and information hub focused on cybersecurity and cyberwar from a civilian, military and international perspective.

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