A new bill would establish a rotational workforce for cybersecurity research within the Department of Homeland Security, supporting efforts to build the cyber workforce within the agency.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Rotational Cybersecurity Program Act of 2019 (H.R. 3484) was introduced on June 25, and is currently in front of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., chair of the House Homeland Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation, introduced the bill with Reps. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Luis Correa, D-Calif., and Jim Langevin, D-R.I., as cosponsors.
The bill would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a rotational research, development and training program within the department. Personnel would be able to move from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Science and Technology Directorate, and institutions that are designated as a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense, to the Coast Guard Academy. Likewise, graduates and faculty of the Coast Guard Academy can detail to CISA.
Rotation within the Federal cybersecurity workforce has gained traction in recent months. The Senate unanimously passed the Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act in May, and the White House issued an executive order for cybersecurity employees to rotate in and out of the Department of Homeland Security.