The House Homeland Security Committee is set to vote on a cybersecurity workforce bill aimed at helping the Homeland Security Department combat threats, GovInfoSecurity reported Monday.Eric Chabrow writes that committee will decide on Oct. 29 whether to pass the Homeland Security Cybersecurity Boots-on-the-Ground Act.
That legislation will mandate the DHS to classify employees tasked with cybersecurity functions, forecast workforce needs over the next 10 years and form a strategy to recruit, train and retain cybersecurity workers, according to the report.
The bill also seeks to establish a process for providing security training to the contractors’ employees serving at the DHS, GovInfoSecurity reports.
Rep. Yvette Clarke, sponsor of the bill and a ranking member of the panel’s cybersecurity subcommittee, told the publication that bill is intended to hire cybersecurity experts for the DHS, other federal agencies and private companies.
Chabrow writes the legislation will require DHS’ chief human capital officer and chief information officer to furnish mission readiness assessment of the department.
“The new databank will enable agencies to identify and address their needs for cybersecurity skill sets to meet their missions,” said Elaine Kaplan, OPM Acting Director, in a July memo.
The bill also seeks development and implementation update from the DHS secretary to be submitted to the Congress, the report says.
