S5067119th CongressWALLET

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

Sponsored By: Senator Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

Introduced

Summary

Expand the federal cybersecurity workforce pipeline. This bill would create two DHS pilot programs: a registered apprenticeship capped at 25 new participants per year and a no-cost training pilot for veterans and eligible spouses.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Free cyber training for veterans and spouses

If enacted, DHS and VA would start a no-cost pilot within 3 years to train eligible veterans, certain active or reserve members, and eligible spouses in cybersecurity. Training would aim for recognized credentials, possible college credit, hands-on assessments, and federal work-based learning. Active or reserve members whom VA determines will become eligible veterans within 180 days could participate, but they may owe repayment if they become ineligible during that 180-day window. DHS would connect completers to federal job opportunities and set aside term positions for work-based learning. DHS must report to Congress starting 2 years after the pilot begins and the Comptroller General must review extension within 4 years. The pilot authority would end 5 years after it starts.

New DHS cyber apprenticeship pilot

If enacted, DHS would set up a cybersecurity apprenticeship pilot within 3 years. The program could hire up to 25 new apprentices each year and must be registered with the Department of Labor and aligned to the NIST cybersecurity framework. Apprentices would sign service agreements to work in federal cyber jobs for a period equal to their apprenticeship, and failure to meet the agreement could trigger pro rata repayment (with possible waivers for hardship). DHS must report to Congress starting 2 years after the program begins and the Comptroller General must review extension within 4 years. The pilot authority would end 5 years after it starts.

Delay cybersecurity workforce assessment to 2028

If enacted, this bill would change the federal cybersecurity workforce assessment deadline from 2022 to 2028. The change delays when the government must complete its statutory review of the cybersecurity workforce. This is an administrative timing change and has limited direct pocketbook effects for households.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

NH • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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