Hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency of the House Homeland Security Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Lou Correa, Hearing on Examining DHS' Efforts to Strengthen its Cybersecurity Workforce

Hearing

Almost daily, we learn of nefarious attempts by Russia, China, and others to impact our cyber systems,
including election systems and critical infrastructure.

Our national security, our economy, and in many ways our daily lives depend on a stable, safe, and
resilient cyberspace.

The Department of Homeland Security plays a critical role in protecting the nation's cyberspace, which
includes not only DHS' own computer systems and information, but also those belonging to other federal
civilian agencies and our critical infrastructure, including election systems.

To fulfill this role, DHS must have a cybersecurity workforce that is well-trained, resilient, and dedicated
to the mission.

However, according to the Government Accountability Office, DHS has not taken the steps necessary to
staff the Department with cyber professionals properly.

Specifically, DHS has not identified or reported to Congress on its Department-wide cybersecurity critical
workforce needs.

Additionally, according to GAO, DHS overstated the number of filled and vacant cybersecurity positions
assigned with the proper identification codes for the specific role.

Without appropriate tracking, DHS will not be positioned to effectively examine its cybersecurity
workforce, identify its critical skill gaps, or improve its workforce planning.

President Trump has claimed to be in support of strengthening federal networks and critical infrastructure,
which undoubtedly will require a more robust workforce.

DHS has been given a range of tools to help bolster the cyber workforce, including special hiring
authority for cybersecurity positions that allows DHS to expedite the hiring process, provide monetary
incentives, and adopt a nimble approach to recruitment and retention.

I look forward to speaking with witnesses today about the specifics of the GAO findings and ways we can
move the Department in a positive direction.

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