Senate Delays Cybersecurity Leadership: The Comedy of Errors Continues!
House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino is “disappointed” the Senate hasn’t confirmed Sean Plankey to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. As procedural hurdles pile up, Garbarino urges quick confirmation, fearing a lapse in cybersecurity efforts. Meanwhile, CISA’s future hangs on reauthorizing a key law before time runs out.
Hot Take:
As the Senate drags its feet on confirming Sean Plankey for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, it’s clear that the only thing moving slower than this nomination is a dial-up internet connection. Meanwhile, Congress is playing a game of cybersecurity hot potato, tossing crucial laws around like they’re trying to avoid holding the bag when the music stops. Will we see a cyber-savvy Santa slide down the cyber-chimney just in time for the holidays, or will this be another year with coal in our digital stockings?
Key Points:
- Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA is stuck in the Senate, delayed by procedural hurdles and a recent government shutdown.
- Chairman Garbarino is pushing for a longer-term reauthorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015.
- Senate Homeland Chairman Rand Paul has concerns about CISA’s information-sharing practices, citing free speech issues.
- Congress is investigating Chinese cyberintrusions linked to groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon.
- There’s contention over recent FCC decisions to reverse telecom security rules post-Salt Typhoon hacks.