Reps. Marc Veasey (TX-33), August Pfluger (TX-11), Nellie Pou (NJ-9), and Zach Nunn (IA-3) Re- Introduce Bipartisan Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act

WASHINGTON D.C. - Representatives Veasey (TX-33), Pfluger (TX-11), Pou (NJ-9) and Nunn (IA-3) recently introduced the Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act. This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to establish a grant program to fund higher education-based cybersecurity clinics at community colleges and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). 

“I am proud to work alongside Representatives Pfluger, Pou, and Nunn to help grow and diversify the next generation of young Americans in the cybersecurity workforce,” said Congressman Veasey (TX-33). “The Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act will help do that by ensuring that institutions of higher education, including community colleges and colleges minority-serving institutions, can have the proper tools they need to educate their students in this growing field.” 

“Developing a robust cyber workforce is critical to our national and economic security. AI has become an incredible tool for identifying vulnerabilities, but it is also making attacks faster and harder to detect. We cannot defend the homeland without talented professionals who have the skills and know-how to recognize, understand, and stop these threats. Angelo State University, now an NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, is training students who protect West Texas cities, schools, and hospitals in real time through its Regional Security Operations Center. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to expand on this model and build the cyber workforce that our national and economic security depend on,” said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).
“Cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated every day.  We need to make sure our communities have the tools and trained professionals to meet them,” said Congresswoman Pou. “I am proud to colead the Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act which will help give the next generation of diverse graduates at community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving colleges hands-on experience while strengthening our nation’s cyber defenses through these new cybersecurity clinics. This legislation represents a smart investment in our national security and in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”

“Cyberattacks are an increasingly serious threat to our national security, economy, and the small businesses that power communities across Iowa,” said Rep. Nunn. “As a former White House Cybersecurity Director, I know we need to train the next generation of cyber professionals today to stay ahead of tomorrow’s threats. Our bipartisan bill will help community colleges establish cybersecurity clinics that give students hands-on training and real-world experience while equipping small businesses and local governments with the tools to defend against cybercriminals. We’re strengthening America’s cyber workforce and putting those skills to work protecting the communities that need them most.”

This bipartisan legislation will help create the framework for a robust and strategic model that can help the U.S. shore up national security defenses domestically and globally. As the agency with industry leading expertise in cyber policy, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is in a unique position to help create a vigorous curriculum that community colleges and minority-serving institutions can offer to students interested in breaking into the cyber workforce.