North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, vice chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, addressed the state of America's cybersecurity workforce during a recent committee hearing. The focus was on the need for skilled cyber professionals to combat evolving global threats in cyberspace.

McCaul directed his questions to Dr. David Russomanno, executive vice president of academic affairs and provost at the University of Memphis, and Max Stier, president and CEO at the Partnership for Public Service.

"In 2014, the ranking member and I introduced [legislation to strengthen and expand] the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program," McCaul stated. He highlighted that $600 million has been allocated to fund 5,000 scholarships with three- to four-year work requirements. McCaul sought insights from Russomanno and Stier on enhancing this program's success.

Russomanno emphasized the value of CyberCorps' internship component: "The national career affairs in D.C. are a wonderful opportunity for students to network." He suggested expanding these opportunities nationwide to accommodate students reluctant to relocate due to family obligations.

Stier acknowledged the program's success but noted areas for improvement: "My thought would be to really think about career pathing...Can you create something that might be an add-on...that provides a private sector placement?" He stressed the importance of scaling efforts through initiatives like the PIVOTT Act.

McCaul discussed Texas' approach by mentioning its new Cyber Command in San Antonio: "I see that federal-state partnership really enhancing that."

Russomanno agreed on adopting successful models like CyberCorps at local levels: "Certainly, I think there's ample opportunity at state and local levels."

The discussion concluded with McCaul noting exemptions relevant to cybersecurity professionals: "It's my understanding that CISA and DoD are exempted from the executive order."