House to Consider Cybersecurity Bill Today

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a proposed bill that is designed to enhance federal cybersecurity research and development activities, and stimulate the growth of a cybersecurity workforce. Called the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR 4061), this piece of legislation was introduced by Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) last year, and was passed by the House Science and Technology Committee.

If passed, HR 4061 would reauthorize several cybersecurity grant program the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF will get up to $396 million over the next four years to fund research and development programs that are focused on cybersecurity. The bill also sets aside another $94 million in scholarships over the same period for students who pursue cybersecurity studies, so long as they commit to the public sector after graduating. In addition, about another $120 million will be available to the NSF for funding activities related to improving cybersecurity, including constructing research facilities and offering training programs in colleges and universities. Read the full Computerworld article here.

What do you all think about this legislation? A critical piece is the funding of scholarships for students who want to study cybersecurity. We need to tap into our nation’s young bright minds to help develop key innovations for dealing with cybersecurity issues that plague our country.