DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1034
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Magaziner asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1034, a bill originally introduced by Representative Turner (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-21T12:04:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act (H.R. 1034) aims to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) cybersecurity workforce by establishing a voluntary training program. This program trains existing DHS employees who are not currently in cybersecurity roles, helping to address staffing shortages in this critical area and build internal expertise to protect national infrastructure from cyber threats.
Key Provisions
- Program Establishment: Creates the "DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program" within DHS, led by the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in consultation with the Under Secretary for Management. The program is voluntary and focuses on training DHS employees for cybersecurity-related work.
- Curriculum and Training Methods: The Director must develop a curriculum using existing resources, such as the Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework (a national guideline for cybersecurity skills). Training can include online courses, in-person classes, hands-on supervision by experienced staff, or other formats.
- Participation Criteria: The Director sets eligibility rules, ensuring participants' skills align with NICE standards, and codes them appropriately for tracking.
- Availability of Training: Training is primarily for DHS employees but can extend to other federal workers if suitable.
- Reporting Requirements:
- The Director submits annual reports to congressional committees (House Homeland Security and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) for 7 years, covering participant numbers, post-training hires, success metrics (e.g., skill assessments), and program status.
- The Under Secretary for Management submits annual reports to the DHS Secretary for 7 years on cybersecurity job vacancies.
- Support and Outreach: The Under Secretary must help recruit DHS employees, create policies (like agreements requiring participants to stay in DHS roles after training), and inform completers about cybersecurity job openings.
- Technical Update: Adds the new program section (2220F) to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and updates the law's table of contents.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Subtitle A of Title XXII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by inserting a new section (2220F). It introduces a dedicated, structured on-the-job training initiative specifically for cybersecurity within DHS, which did not previously exist in this form. It builds on but does not replace existing programs like the NICE Framework, integrating them into a DHS-specific effort. No existing provisions are repealed; this is an additive measure to enhance workforce development.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DHS, particularly CISA, will gain tools to fill cybersecurity vacancies internally, reducing recruitment challenges and improving response to cyber threats. This could lead to faster hiring and better retention through incentives like service agreements. Other federal agencies may indirectly benefit from shared training resources.
- On Citizens: Enhances national cybersecurity protections, potentially reducing risks from cyberattacks on critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, transportation), which could safeguard public safety and privacy.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though a stronger DHS cyber workforce could improve U.S. coordination with allies on global cyber threats, bolstering diplomatic and security partnerships.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DHS Employees: Primary beneficiaries, as non-cybersecurity staff can gain skills and advance to specialized roles without leaving the department.
- DHS Leadership and Agencies: CISA and the Under Secretary for Management handle implementation; all DHS components may see reduced vacancies and improved capabilities.
- Congressional Committees: House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs receive oversight reports.
- Broader Federal Workforce: Other federal employees may access training, aiding government-wide cyber readiness.
- Cybersecurity Community: Aligns with national efforts like NICE, benefiting educators and trainers involved in federal initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The program is voluntary, avoiding coercion issues, and uses existing frameworks to ensure compliance with federal training standards. Reporting requirements promote transparency and accountability without imposing new burdens on privacy or civil liberties.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it supports the federal government's role in national security under Article I and the Commerce Clause, focusing on executive branch workforce development.
- Political: Encourages bipartisan support for cybersecurity as a non-partisan priority, potentially influencing future budgets for DHS training. The 7-year reporting sunset provides a mechanism for evaluation and possible extension, allowing Congress to assess effectiveness amid ongoing cyber threats from state and non-state actors.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Turner, Sylvester [D-TX-18]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Magaziner asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1034, a bill originally introduced by Representative Turner (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (5 pages)