06.22.22

Hoeven-Sponsored Legislation to Strengthen Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Signed into Law

Senator Introduced Bill to Create Personnel Rotation Program; Help Federal Agencies Attract, Develop and Retain Cybersecurity Professionals

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after legislation he sponsored in the Senate with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to help attract, develop and retain highly-skilled cybersecurity professionals in the federal workforce was signed into law. 

“Cyber-attacks targeting our nation continue to grow in frequency and complexity, and it is essential that we stay ahead of our adversaries and others who seek to illegally access and disable critical systems, including those run by federal agencies,” said Hoeven. “That’s why we advanced this legislation to improve career opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, including those in the private sector, who want bring their expertise to the federal government. The personnel rotation program created by our bill will help ensure federal agencies can recruit and retain a skilled workforce that is better able to protect against and counter the threats we face.”

Currently, agencies across the federal government face growing cyber threats, but struggle to hire qualified cybersecurity employees. Accordingly, the Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act will create a civilian personnel rotation program for cybersecurity professionals at federal agencies. The program would help agencies attract and retain cybersecurity experts by offering civilians opportunities to enhance their careers, gain experience beyond their primary assignment and expand their professional networks.

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