WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) introduced the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would strengthen the U.S.’ cyber defenses and cybersecurity workforce by creatin two new training programs within the federal government. One of the training programs would specifically recruit veterans for these in-demand jobs.

“Reports of cyber attacks continue to rise, and we must respond accordingly to protect businesses, sensitive personal data, and ultimately our national security,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Security breaches have far-reaching implications – small businesses may have to halt operations, Pennsylvanians could have their identity stolen, or worse. Thankfully, our bipartisan, bicameral bill will help train veterans and other Americans to be the next generation of cyber defense professionals.”

“There is a crippling shortage of cybersecurity workers that is leaving private companies and the federal government increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats,” said Rep. Gallagher. “By creating programs that provide veterans with the skills they need to help protect this country in the cyber domain, this bill is an innovative way to bolster our nation’s cyber defenses and strengthen the federal cyber workforce while giving veterans an opportunity to continue serving their country.”

According to the final report of the Future of Defense Task Force, which Rep. Houlahan served on, the United States must develop a 21st century workforce with the requisite skills and talent to maintain our strategic advantage. The report concludes that attracting and retaining a diverse group of technical talent is key to maintaining that advantage and the U.S. remaining competitive in evolving defense apparatuses.

The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act establishes two new programs:

• A cybersecurity registered apprenticeship program in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
• A pilot program housed in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give cybersecurity training to veterans

Text of the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act is available here.

U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Senate companion bill earlier this year. Rep. Houlahan introduced this bill last Congress as well alongside former Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH).

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. 

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