The authorization bill was framed as an effort to regularize a U.S.civilian aid program which has fluctuated over the years depending on regional events.

VOA: standard.2009.10.13

Today, we are launching the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which will fundamentally change the way cloud is secured and procured within the Federal Government.

WHITEHOUSE: A Year of Change in Federal IT

This move clearly indicates that the risk-reward balance for leveraging cloud computing for public websites for DHS is favorable when using the GSA IaaS BPA. Providers under this contract are required to comply with the yet to be finalized, Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP).

FORBES: Homeland Security Moves To Cloud through GSA IaaS BPA

But Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said the president's authorization of the program was within his legal authority.

CNN: Inquiry into leak of NSA spying program launched