Legislation to bolster cyber workforce receives endorsements across industries

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, leaders across industries and academia endorsed the “Cyber PIVOTT Act,” legislation led by House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, MD (R-TN) and numerous other members of the Committee. The Committee held a hearing on Wednesday entitled, “Preparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America’s Cyber Workforce.”
 
The “Cyber PIVOTT Act” is cosponsored by Reps. Michael Guest (R-MS), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Dale Strong (R-AL), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), and Gabe Evans (R-CO). Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), and Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) also cosponsored the bill. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) will introduce companion legislation in the Senate. 
 
“As America faces increased threats in cyberspace, I am proud the ‘Cyber PIVOTT Act’ has received so many endorsements from influential leaders, innovators, and job creators across the cybersecurity community,” Chairman Green said. “We must work together to rebuild our cyber workforce and equip these professionals with the necessary skills to defend the digital and critical infrastructure we all rely on. With these essential partnerships and the support of my colleagues in the House and Senate, I look forward to getting this vital piece of legislation to the president’s desk.”
 
The “Cyber PIVOTT Act” is supported by Palo Alto Networks, Business Software Alliance (BSA), the Internet Security Alliance, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, R Street Institute, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), the National Rural Electric Coop Association (NRECA), Forescout Technologies, Peraton, the Cyber Innovation Center and CYBER.ORG, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ivanti, the McCrary Institute, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Advocacy Blueprints, Microsoft, Darktrace, the Special Competitive Studies Project, IBM, and Partnership for Public Service.

Below are statements in support the “Cyber PIVOTT Act”:
 
Lydia Logan, VP of Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM: “IBM commends Chairman Green for introducing the Cyber PIVOTT Act that would help more Americans seeking cybersecurity skilling pathways through programs at community colleges and technical schools through a new scholarship program. IBM has long recognized the importance of closing the skills gap across technology, including cybersecurity, which is essential for AI innovation. Our company has a commitment to skill 30 million learners worldwide by 2030. As part of this work, recently we unveiled a new IBM SkillsBuild certificate in cybersecurity, which was piloted and designed with community colleges. We look forward to working with Congress to expand cybersecurity pathways and help more Americans pursue cybersecurity jobs.”
 
Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft: “The Cyber PIVOTT Act takes important steps to bolster our nation’s cyber defense. By investing in education and technical training at America’s community colleges, this legislation will help tap into a wider talent pool, cultivate a skilled workforce, and equip workers with the skills to combat new and evolving threats. Thank you to Chairman Green for his leadership on this issue.”
 
Ylli Bajraktari, CEO, SCSP-Action Program: “The Cyber PIVOTT Act will strengthen America’s cybersecurity by expanding technical training and workforce development. Expanding access to cybersecurity education through community colleges and technical schools fills critical gaps and prepares the next generation of professionals to defend our nation’s critical infrastructure. This bill is a strategic step toward a more secure and resilient digital future.”
 
Daniel Kroese, Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs at Palo Alto Networks: “Palo Alto Networks applauds Chairman Green on the reintroduction of the Cyber PIVOTT Act. To build a cybersecurity workforce capable of tackling the evolving challenges of modern cyber threats, we must invest in engaging and skills-based cybersecurity workforce development practices that can attract untapped talent and expand pathways into cybersecurity roles, especially in the public sector. The bill’s recognition of the importance of collaboration between the government, community colleges, and industry and the power of hands-on, skills-based exercises will help build a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of protecting our digital way of life.” 
 
Business Software Alliance (BSA): “BSA appreciates Congressman Green’s leadership in introducing the Cyber PIVOTT Act, which addresses the cyber workforce shortage that is occurring in the U.S. According to the Cybersecurity Supply and Demand Heat Map, there are currently over 450,000 cybersecurity job openings in the US that could be addressed with meaningful legislation such as this. […] The programs outlined in the bill will take the meaningful steps needed to address the critical cyber shortage and secure the U.S. government with a beneficial partnership with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency. BSA is looking forward to working with Rep. Green to ensure that building a cyber workforce remains a priority for policymakers.”
 
Internet Security Alliance: “The Internet Security Alliance (ISA) thanks and congratulates Chairman Mark Green on the introduction of the [Cyber] PIVOTT Act. If enacted this bill would be the most impactful piece of cybersecurity legislation ever passed by the U.S. Congress. […] When fully operational, the [Cyber] PIVOTT Act will be the first legislation that addresses this fundamental issue from its appropriate national perspective and at 10,000 new recruits a year, at a scale that will begin to make a dent in this gap. […] PIVOTT will be the ISA’s number one legislative priority in the Congress, and we urge all entities who care about our nation’s cybersecurity to join in aggressively supporting PIVOTT’s passage in the House, Senate, and eventually receive President Trump’s signature.”
 
RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and Jiwon Ma, Foundation for Defense of Democracies: “A healthy and robust cyber workforce is the backbone of U.S. national security. As cyber threats evolve, so must our strategy to defend against them. Opportunities through the [Cyber] PIVOTT Act and the Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act are not just workforce solutions — they are strategic investments in protecting America’s critical infrastructure and government systems. Without a steady influx of talented individuals serving our country, adversaries will continue to exploit vulnerabilities in federal networks. Developing and sustaining a strong talent pipeline of cybersecurity professionals are critical to ensuring the nation has the capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to evolving cyber threats before they cause irreparable harm.”
 
Brandon Pugh, Director and Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats, R Street Institute: “Chairman Mark Green’s Cyber PIVOTT Act provides an innovative and meaningful way to address the cyber workforce shortage in the United States, which has been a challenge for many years. This shortage negatively impacts the cybersecurity posture of our nation in the public and private sectors while the threat landscape continues to evolve. This legislation is designed to address these challenges in both the short and long term and recognizes that a four-year degree is not the only path one can take to enter the cyber workforce. Given R Street’s longtime commitment to studying and addressing the cyber workforce shortage, we are pleased to support the Cyber PIVOTT Act.”
 
International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2): “On behalf of ISC2 and its global community of nearly 275,000 certified members, and associates, we strongly support the [Cyber] PIVOTT Act. This legislation represents a crucial step toward strengthening the cybersecurity workforce and addressing the growing demands of an increasingly digital world. […] The [Cyber] PIVOTT Act is a critical investment in the future of cybersecurity, aligning with industry needs and providing a clear path for those passionate about living in a safe and secure world. This approach will enhance the resilience of both public and private sectors against emerging cyber threats.” 

Jim Matheson, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA): “The Cyber PIVOTT Act is a positive step toward filling our nation’s nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity jobs by developing a robust and skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of the cyber landscape. NRECA is particularly pleased with the inclusion of language that would extend cybersecurity internship opportunities to critical infrastructure in rural communities. While no sector or region is immune to the challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled cyber professionals, these challenges are exacerbated by the unique and inherent characteristics of rural areas. The Cyber PIVOTT Act will bridge the skills gap, enabling rural communities to strengthen their cyber defenses and secure their critical infrastructure. The investments made by the Cyber PIVOTT Act in cybersecurity education and training are crucial to building a workforce capable of protecting our critical infrastructure. We appreciate the bipartisan support for addressing these issues and urge Congress to pass this legislation.”
 
Alison King, VP Government Affairs, Forescout Technologies: “The cybersecurity workforce shortage in the United States leaves OT networks that underpin our critical infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to attack. The Cyber PIVOTT Act takes a crucial and necessary step toward addressing this challenge by expanding hands-on, skills-based training to develop a stronger pipeline of cybersecurity professionals. At Forescout, we believe that equipping the workforce with the expertise to protect the systems that power our economy is vital to strengthening our national resilience. We support the Cyber PIVOTT Act and urge swift passage to bolster cyber defenses where they matter most.”
 
Scott Cooper, Vice President, Government Relations, Peraton Corporation: “The cyber threats to our country have only increased over the last few years, particularly to the U.S. critical infrastructure and civilian networks. […] We appreciate that [Chairman Green has] made it a top priority to enact the Cyber PIVOTT Act to grow the cyber workforce. The Cyber PIVOTT Act provides access to cyber training and education with a scholarship program for two-year degrees at community colleges and technical skills in exchange for government service. This program will encourage technical training, and education needed to ensure the government has the cyber workforce necessary to defend the Homeland.”
 
Kevin Nolten, President, Cyber Innovation Center: “On behalf of the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) and our academic initiative, CYBER.ORG, I am writing to express our support of the Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act of 2024 or the Cyber PIVOTT Act. […] We believe the Cyber PIVOTT Act will provide valuable incentives, resources, and opportunities to students pursuing cybersecurity education and training, encouraging more individuals to serve our Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in cyber or cyber-relevant roles. Filling these critical cybersecurity workforce gaps will enable our Nation to defend its critical infrastructure and ensure our national and economic security.”

The Honorable Rodney Davis, Senior Vice President for Government Affiars, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce welcomes Rep. Mark Green’s (R-TN) Cyber PIVOTT Act. Inspired by ROTC scholarship programs, this bill would help build up more talent to defend our networks against foreign threats and criminal organizations. Last year, the House Homeland Security Committee unanimously reported the Cyber PIVOTT Act. The Chamber urges Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation.”
 
Brooke Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel at Ivanti: “Ivanti welcomes the introduction of Chairman Green’s Cyber PIVOTT Act in the 119^th Congress. At a time when highly resourced nation states are proliferating their cyberattacks against U.S. companies and critical infrastructure, one of the most urgent needs is to develop a well-trained, sophisticated cyber workforce within the U.S. government to protect government agencies and to assist private companies in preventing and responding to cyberattacks. As a software developer and vendor that works closely with U.S. government, Ivanti has seen firsthand the need for the development of a skilled cyber workforce pipeline that can strengthen security for the U.S. government and create a safer cyber environment for critical industries in the U.S.” 
 
Frank Cilluffo, Director, McCrary Institute: “Investing in the current and future cyber workforce, as this bill does, is a vital component of building and maintaining such resiliency. […] This updated version of the bill will allow universities like Auburn to potentially advance the goals of the legislation, just as we have from previous cybersecurity legislation coming out of this committee, such as the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, which is currently supporting McCrary’s work to stand up the Alabama Cybersecurity Intelligence Center (ACIC) with the Alabama Office of Information Technology. […] I thank Chairman Green for his leadership on this legislation, and urge the Committee to, once again, pass this bill in a bipartisan manner.”

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI): “ITI is encouraged by the introduction of Chairman Green’s Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act (Cyber PIVOTT Act). With over 500,000 cybersecurity jobs open, and increasing cybersecurity attacks, it is imperative to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. The need for a skilled U.S. cybersecurity workforce is evident, and this bill would create opportunities for those to obtain the skills needed takes a crucial step in expanding the workforce pipeline. ITI applauds the Homeland Security Committee and Chairman Green’s emphasis on finding a long-term solution to training and maintaining a qualified cybersecurity workforce.”
 
Nicole Tisdale, Founder and Principal, Advocacy Blueprints: “As the founder of Advocacy Blueprints, cybersecurity attorney, and a native of rural Mississippi, I strongly support Chairman Green’s Cyber PIVOTT Act, which addresses critical cybersecurity workforce needs in America, especially our rural communities. Our recent threat analysis found that when compared to urban cities, the 66.3 million Americans living in rural areas are facing the same escalating cyber threats to their hospitals, water systems, schools and critical infrastructure. … The Cyber PIVOTT Act takes a practical approach by creating accessible pathways through two-year degrees and technical certifications at community colleges. We’re especially excited about the Act’s emphasis on government service and practical training through internships to ensure these skills directly benefit rural communities through roles at local utilities, schools, emergency services, and critical infrastructure operators.”

Marcus Fowler, CEO of Darktrace Federal: “There are vast numbers of unfilled cybersecurity roles across the United States, leaving businesses and government agencies vulnerable. The Cyber PIVOTT Act is a critical step toward closing this gap by creating smarter workforce development pathways, expanding access to hands-on training, and building a skills-based cybersecurity talent pipeline that meets the demands of today’s economy. To achieve this goal, we’ll also need to ensure security teams are trained on the most advanced tools, to ensure that technology fulfils its potential to augment the workforce and act as a true force multiplier.”
 
Andrew Howell, Vice President of Government Affairs, SentinelOne: “On behalf of SentinelOne, I would like to thank you for your attention to the important issue of improving the state of the cybersecurity workforce by introducing the Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act, the Cyber PIVOTT Act. […] SentinelOne believes that a robust national effort is needed to meet the workforce demands of our increasingly digitized economy, and protect against ever-increasing cybersecurity threats. As a result, we are pleased to endorse the Cyber PIVOTT Act.”
 

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