Cyber Ready Workforce Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4263
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-20T14:35:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Cyber Ready Workforce Act (S. 4263)
Purpose
This legislation establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Labor to create, implement, and expand registered apprenticeship programs focused on cybersecurity skills and credentials.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: A registered apprenticeship program refers to programs approved under the National Apprenticeship Act. A workforce intermediary is an entity (such as a business group, community organization, state or local workforce board, education institution, labor-management partnership, or nonprofit) that helps set up these programs.
- Grant Program: The Secretary of Labor awards grants on a competitive basis to workforce intermediaries. Eligible programs must combine technical instruction, on-the-job training, and industry-recognized certifications (such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or similar credentials). Programs should promote stackable credentials and prepare participants for roles like cybersecurity support technicians, cloud architects, or security specialists, aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
- Use of Funds: At least 85% of grant money must support required activities, including:
- Registering programs with the Department of Labor and providing technical assistance.
- Partnering with employers to develop curricula, cover offsite training costs, and connect with education providers.
- Offering support services to apprentices, such as career counseling, mentorship, and help with transportation, housing, or child care.
- Up to 15% may fund outreach, including marketing to employers and schools, recruiting apprentices (with emphasis on women, minorities, youth, and veterans), and sharing best practices among intermediaries.
- Funding: Authorizes such sums as necessary, with no specific dollar amount set.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill creates a new, targeted grant authority within the Department of Labor without amending core statutes like the National Apprenticeship Act or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It introduces cybersecurity-specific requirements and funding priorities not previously established in federal apprenticeship policy.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the Department of Labor in grant oversight, registration, and coordination with existing workforce programs.
- Citizens: Expands access to paid training and credentials for individuals entering or advancing in cybersecurity roles, potentially improving employment opportunities and addressing workforce shortages.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Labor (grant administration).
- Workforce intermediaries (grant recipients and program facilitators).
- Employers in the cybersecurity and technology sectors (partners in training and hiring).
- Potential apprentices, including secondary students, underrepresented groups, youth, and veterans.
- Postsecondary institutions and training providers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it falls within Congress’s authority over labor and commerce. It operates through existing apprenticeship frameworks and contains no mandates on states or private entities. The measure shows bipartisan sponsorship but creates no new regulatory requirements beyond voluntary grant participation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-03-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Cyber Ready Workforce Act — issued 2026-03-26 — PDF (6 pages)