Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support National Cyber Director, Bolster Cybersecurity Capabilities

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced bipartisan legislation authorizing the use of individuals with professional expertise from other agencies to support the Office of the National Cyber Director (NCD).

“Now more than ever, Congress must bolster the United States’ capabilities to respond to cyber-attacks,” said Rounds. “Last year, we worked to successfully establish the National Cyber Director position which is dedicated to strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity.  Having a fully staffed and operational office for the National Cyber Director is vital to address current and emerging threats. I am glad to cosponsor this bill to help make certain the National Cyber Director has the personnel needed to fulfill this critical mission.”

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The National Cyber Director is tasked with coordinating the implementation of national cybersecurity policy and strategy. With cyber-attacks increasing in both scope and consequence, it is crucial to provide the National Cyber Director the people necessary to accomplish this important mission. This bipartisan legislation addresses urgent personnel needs by permitting the NCD to bring in individuals from other government agencies to fulfill his cybersecurity mission.

Last year, Rounds’ provision creating the National Cyber Director position was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

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