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Thune Joins Colleagues in Introducing the HACKED Act

“This legislation would build upon the important work being done by universities across the nation – including in South Dakota – to prepare and sustain a strong, talented, and much-needed national cybersecurity workforce.”

November 5, 2019

Washington — 

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Harvesting American Cybersecurity Knowledge through Education (HACKED) Act. This legislation would build on the important work being done by South Dakota universities to strengthen America’s cybersecurity workforce by bolstering existing science education and cybersecurity programs within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Transportation.

“In a world dominated by the internet and digital technology, a robust network of cybersecurity professionals is critical to America’s national security and economic prosperity,” said Thune. “The HACKED Act would bolster partnerships between local employers and universities on cybersecurity education and workforce needs and require greater coordination between federal agencies on cybersecurity training and workforce development. This legislation would build upon the important work being done by universities across the nation – including in South Dakota – to prepare and sustain a strong, talented, and much-needed national cybersecurity workforce.” 

“Cybersecurity risks are constant in the growing digital world. It is critical that the United States stay ahead of malicious cyber activity with a workforce that can safeguard our innovation, research, and work environments,” said Wicker, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the bill’s lead sponsor. “This legislation is an important first step to expand the cybersecurity workforce and provide tools to support necessary education and training.” 

In addition to Thune and Wicker, the bill is also cosponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)

The HACKED Act would: 

  • Incentivize recruitment of cybersecurity educators.
  • Align education and training with the cybersecurity workforce needs.
  • Design clear paths in the cybersecurity workforce for cybersecurity professionals to advance their careers.
  • Improve cybersecurity awareness guidelines for federal agencies.
  • Increase coordination in federal cybersecurity workforce programs through a new Office of Science and Technology Policy working group.

 Click here to see the full bill.