Bill seeks to bolster nationwide cybersecurity

Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) joined Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) introduced this week the Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, which seeks to bolster nationwide cybersecurity efforts.

The lawmakers noted the bill would establish a pilot Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve program to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with cybersecurity-trained civilian personnel – ensuring the government has the talent needed to address cyber vulnerabilities and keep our nation safe, especially at times of greatest need.

“The recent, unprecedented cyber-attacks targeting the United States demonstrate the risks of not addressing our severe cyber workforce shortage,” Rosen said. “As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in scale, frequency, and sophistication, it’s critical that we find innovative solutions to address this deficiency,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal government has the cyber experts needed to quickly respond to threats, especially when our nation is under attack.”

Blackburn said the cyber domain’s complexity creates the need for mission-capable personnel prepared to confront the challenges.

“Creating a reserve corps similar to our National Guard or Army Reserve will allow our national security agencies to have access to the qualified, capable, and service-oriented American talent necessary to respond when an attack occurs,” she said. “The Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Pilot project represents a big step in strengthening America’s cybersecurity posture.”