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Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

USA119th CongressS-5067| Senate 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
Margaret Wood Hassan

Margaret Wood Hassan

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
John Cornyn (Republican)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act" addresses the critical shortage of cybersecurity personnel by authorizing the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to establish two key pilot programs. These initiatives aim to expand the Federal Government's cybersecurity workforce pipeline and provide specialized training. The bill also extends the requirement for the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act to be conducted until 2028. The first initiative is a cybersecurity apprenticeship pilot program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), designed to employ up to 25 new participants annually in cyber workforce positions. This program, which must be registered with the Department of Labor and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for educational assistance, aims to lead to permanent Federal employment. The Secretary may use contracts or grants with eligible entities, prioritizing those that support veterans or increase representation of women and underrepresented minorities. Participants are required to complete an obligated service period in a Federal cyber workforce position after successfully completing the apprenticeship. The second initiative establishes a pilot program for no-cost cybersecurity training for eligible individuals, including veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. This program, developed in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, will incorporate coursework, virtual learning, hands-on training, and Federal work-based learning opportunities, all aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. It aims to provide participants with recognized postsecondary credentials and connect them to Federal job opportunities. Coordination with other agencies will leverage existing resources and educational assistance to avoid duplication of effort. Both pilot programs require annual reports to Congress from the Secretary of DHS, detailing activities, participant demographics, completion rates, and employment outcomes. The Comptroller General will also submit reports after four years, including recommendations for program extension. Both programs are authorized for a period of five years from their establishment. These initiatives collectively seek to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity posture by building a robust and diverse Federal cyber workforce.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2274
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2256
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jul 22, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2274
    Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2256
    Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act


  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 22, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Government Operations and Politics

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

USA119th CongressS-5067| Senate 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
The "Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act" addresses the critical shortage of cybersecurity personnel by authorizing the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to establish two key pilot programs. These initiatives aim to expand the Federal Government's cybersecurity workforce pipeline and provide specialized training. The bill also extends the requirement for the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act to be conducted until 2028. The first initiative is a cybersecurity apprenticeship pilot program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), designed to employ up to 25 new participants annually in cyber workforce positions. This program, which must be registered with the Department of Labor and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for educational assistance, aims to lead to permanent Federal employment. The Secretary may use contracts or grants with eligible entities, prioritizing those that support veterans or increase representation of women and underrepresented minorities. Participants are required to complete an obligated service period in a Federal cyber workforce position after successfully completing the apprenticeship. The second initiative establishes a pilot program for no-cost cybersecurity training for eligible individuals, including veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. This program, developed in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, will incorporate coursework, virtual learning, hands-on training, and Federal work-based learning opportunities, all aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. It aims to provide participants with recognized postsecondary credentials and connect them to Federal job opportunities. Coordination with other agencies will leverage existing resources and educational assistance to avoid duplication of effort. Both pilot programs require annual reports to Congress from the Secretary of DHS, detailing activities, participant demographics, completion rates, and employment outcomes. The Comptroller General will also submit reports after four years, including recommendations for program extension. Both programs are authorized for a period of five years from their establishment. These initiatives collectively seek to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity posture by building a robust and diverse Federal cyber workforce.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2274
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2256
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jul 22, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2274
    Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2256
    Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act


  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 22, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Margaret Wood Hassan

Margaret Wood Hassan

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
John Cornyn (Republican)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Government Operations and Politics

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted