[ by Melanie Gretchen ] Senate Republicans may have to renew their promise for national security, after they blocked a new measure aimed at protecting America’s vulnerable computer networks from attack by, among others, potentially hostile foreign governments.  Last year alone, American computer networks faced 200 attacks on crucial infrastructure, including power plants, electric grids, refineries, transportation networks, and water treatment systems. The legislation in question would have required companies to share data about cyberattacks with the government, and would have created a framework for minimum security standards to toughen computer protections.  The bill, which was 3 years in the making and the product of a bipartisan effort, was supported the Obama administration, including senior military leaders. The Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, addressed the cybersecurity threat by saying that his fellow Republicans "all recognize the problem."  Nevertheless, the Republicans, including Arizona Senator, John Cain, supported the argument by the Chamber of Commerce and other business interests that the rules would be too costly and intrusive.  As a result, voting will resume after the August recess, amid chief concerns including computer attacks that shut down the stock exchange, a nuclear power plant, the nation’s rail system or all 3 at once. For further details, go to [NY Times, 8/5/12] and [NY Times, 7/31/12].