Nashville Standard

Rep. Mark Green has taken a significant step forward in addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage by advancing the Cyber PIVOTT Act. The bill, which aims to train 10,000 cybersecurity professionals annually, was discussed during a House Committee on Homeland Security markup session.

In his opening statement, Rep. Green emphasized the importance of tackling the nation's cyber workforce shortage. "Addressing the nation’s cyber workforce shortage has been a top priority for me since I assumed this gavel," he stated. The bill had previously passed out of Committee unanimously with a vote of 27-0.

The bipartisan nature of cybersecurity efforts was highlighted by Rep. Green and Ranking Member Thompson. Rep. Green expressed hope that this spirit would continue as they marked up the Cyber PIVOTT Act again, noting that only two small clarifications about eligibility were made to the reintroduced bill.

Ranking Member Thompson's support was acknowledged by Rep. Green: “I appreciate the Chairman's willingness to consider Democratic feedback on this bill,” Thompson said in September, emphasizing making high-need critical infrastructure sectors eligible for internship programs.

Rural areas face particular challenges in attracting and retaining cybersecurity talent, according to Rep. Green. Expanding internship opportunities in these regions is seen as crucial for preparing the workforce and enhancing national security.

Rep. Eric Swalwell also supported alternative pathways to four-year degrees for cyber professionals: “Not all cyber professionals have to have a costly college degree,” he noted, stressing the need for technical skills and experience.

The Cyber PIVOTT Act focuses on providing students with hands-on experience through community colleges and technical schools, equipping them with skills necessary to combat modern threats.

Numerous organizations have endorsed the bill, including Google, Fortnet, Vanderbilt University, and others. Additionally, bipartisan companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Rounds and Peters.

With increasing threats to networks and critical infrastructure from cyber actors, there is an urgent need to build a pipeline of professionals quickly. Rep. Green expressed eagerness to work with colleagues to reduce the cyber workforce gap and urged support for favorably referring the Cyber PIVOTT Act out of Committee.