Committee Advances “Cyber PIVOTT Act,” Adopts 119th Congress Oversight Plan
February 26, 2025
WASHINGTON D.C. –– Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security adopted the 119th Congress Oversight Plan and advanced H.R. 1000, the “Cyber PIVOTT Act,” in a full Committee markup. The Oversight Plan for the 119th Congress includes work to ensure DHS bolsters America’s cybersecurity, secures our borders, executes its broader mission while safeguarding taxpayer dollars, counters the evolving threat of terrorism on U.S. soil, and more.
H.R. 1000, the ‘‘Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act of 2025,” or “Cyber PIVOTT Act,” was reintroduced this Congress by Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) and cosponsored by Reps. Michael Guest (R-MS), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Clay Higgins (R-LA), August Pfluger (R-TX), 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) are also cosponsors. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. This legislation was advanced out of the Committee by a unanimous bipartisan vote in the 118th Congress. Two minority resolutions, H. Res. 113 and H. Res. 114, were unfavorably reported out of the Committee.
“There could not be a better time to bolster our pipeline of skilled and prepared professionals. As nation-state threats to networks and critical infrastructure intensify, bolstering the nation’s cyber workforce aligns with this administration’s goals to promote productivity and guarantee a high return on investment for taxpayer dollars,” Chairman Green said. “I was disappointed that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle chose to politicize an issue that has enjoyed strong bipartisan support and affects each of our districts. Our communities would benefit greatly from more cyber professionals who can help critical infrastructure owners and operators—especially those who do not have the resources to invest in cybersecurity. With essential partnerships in the private sector and the support of my colleagues in the House and Senate, including those across the aisle, I look forward to getting the ‘Cyber PIVOTT Act’ to the president’s desk.”
“Cybersecurity is crucial for our national security. I am honored to be an original co-sponsor of the ‘Cyber PIVOTT Act,’ which aims to better prepare our workforce to combat cyberattacks,” Rep. Michael Guest said. “With over 500,000 vacant cybersecurity jobs in the United States and a rise in cyber threats, it is essential that we pass this bill to make it easier for Americans to pursue careers in cybersecurity.”
“The cyber battlefield is vast but unseen, and the call to man our cyber defense is facing an increasingly prevalent challenge. We must prepare and recruit America’s cyber workforce by engaging young Americans in this critical field,” Rep. Clay Higgins said. “The Cyber PIVOTT Act opens doors for those who are looking to work in cybersecurity but do not have a traditional four-year degree. It is an honor to work alongside Chairman Green and my colleagues on this important legislation.”
“As an Army veteran and former police officer, homeland security and public safety remain top-of-mind for me,” Rep. Gabe Evans said. “Although they may seem invisible, cyberattacks become more prevalent and more sophisticated every year, across every industry vital to daily operation in our state, districts, and neighborhoods. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure increased by 30 percent in 2023. Knowing everyone agrees that cyber threats endanger national security, I urge bipartisan support of the commonsense Cyber PIVOTT Act.”
Leaders across industries and academia have endorsed H.R. 1000, including 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 Cooperative 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, the Partnership for Public Service, Google, Fortinet, Tenable, Vanderbilt University, Plymouth State University, NTCA—the Rural Broadband Association, the National Cybersecurity Alliance, Tenney Mountain, Knowledge Management, Inc. (KMI), SAFE Security, CertifID, 5OH Consulting, MACE, and 6P, Inc.
Read statements of support here and additional statements below.
Tyler Adams, CEO, CertifID: “CertifID applauds the reintroduction of the Cyber PIVOTT Act. With the acceleration of cybercrime in the U.S., it’s critical for companies to have access to skilled talent to defend their businesses and customers. Our company assists real estate firms with safeguarding hundreds of billions in homeowner funds annually, and we have seen a rapid evolution of tactics targeting this sector. This bill will be an important step in increasing the collaboration between public and private enterprises to grow the pipeline of cybersecurity talent that our community can leverage to stay secure.”
Matt O’Neill, Co-Founder, 5OH Consulting: “We are committed to enhancing our nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure. We wholeheartedly endorse the Cyber PIVOTT Act, as it offers innovative solutions to bridge the existing skills gap. By providing full scholarships for two-year degrees at community colleges and technical schools, the Act empowers a diverse range of individuals—including those pivoting from other careers—to enter the cybersecurity field. This initiative not only strengthens our national security but also enriches the talent pool available to both public and private sectors. We commend Chairman Mark Green and his colleagues for their leadership in introducing this vital legislation and urge Congress to pass the Cyber PIVOTT Act promptly.”
Rob Rashotte, VP, Fortinet Training Institute: “If enacted, the proposed Cyber PIVOTT Act would have a positive impact across both the public and private sector with its emphasis on cybersecurity scholarships for students in partnership with community colleges and technical schools, as well as developing internships and Federal job opportunities for graduates of this program.”
James Hayes, SVP of Global Government Affairs, Tenable: “The Cyber PIVOTT Act is a critical step toward strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity by expanding access to hands-on, skills-based training through community colleges and technical schools. This legislation will help bridge the workforce gap, creating new opportunities for individuals to enter the field and make meaningful contributions to protecting our critical infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions, this legislation will ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to tackle evolving cyber threats. This investment in cybersecurity education and workforce development will enhance national security, promote economic mobility, and create pathways for Americans to thrive in a rapidly growing sector. We commend Chairman Green’s leadership in addressing this urgent need and urge Congress to swiftly pass this transformative legislation.”
Plymouth State University, Tenney Mountain, and SIX P: “This legislation represents a transformative opportunity to bolster our nation’s cybersecurity workforce by harnessing the raw talent of two exceptional communities: athletes and veterans. Our coalition is united by a shared mission to bridge the gap in services and practical, real-world training for individuals transitioning from highly competitive, team-oriented environments-whether on the field of sport or the field of battle —into meaningful careers in the private sector. Athletes and veterans, though seemingly distinct, share remarkable qualities: discipline, resilience, leadership, and a drive to excel under pressure. These are precisely the attributes needed to address the growing cybersecurity challenges facing our nation. Yet, too often, both groups encounter significant mental health, education, and career obstacles as they retire from their respective arenas of service. The Cyber PIVOTT Act offers a forward-thinking solution to capture and cultivate this talent for the benefit of our country.”
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA––The Rural Broadband Association: “NTCA is committed to helping our community-based broadband provider members improve their cybersecurity posture and build the workforce of the future to keep pace with changing technologies. The Cyber PIVOTT Act will help build this much-needed workforce by investing in education and facilitating internships in rural communities, including with critical infrastructure operators like those in the NTCA membership. On behalf of NTCA and our members, I thank Chairman Green for introducing this important legislation.”
The National Cybersecurity Alliance: “The National Cybersecurity Alliance supports the Cyber PIVOTT Act. We support efforts to strengthen America’s cybersecurity workforce, including initiatives that help students enter public service and help protect our critical infrastructure and other vital systems. Through our programs that promote cybersecurity careers and mentorship, the NCA shares the goal of equipping the next generation with the skills needed to protect essential networks.”
James Hayes, SVP of Global Government Affairs, Tenable: “The Cyber PIVOTT Act is a critical step toward strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity by expanding access to hands-on, skills-based training through community colleges and technical schools. This legislation will help bridge the workforce gap, creating new opportunities for individuals to enter the field and make meaningful contributions to protecting our critical infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions, this legislation will ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to tackle evolving cyber threats. This investment in cybersecurity education and workforce development will enhance national security, promote economic mobility, and create pathways for Americans to thrive in a rapidly growing sector. We commend Chairman Green’s leadership in addressing this urgent need and urge Congress to swiftly pass this transformative legislation.”
David J. Russomanno, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the University of Memphis: “The Cyber PIVOTT Act is appropriately focused on community colleges and technical schools as a component for increasing the cybersecurity workforce at scale. Given the appropriate focus of the Cyber PIVOTT Act on community colleges and technical schools, it is important for 4-year institutions, including comprehensive R1 institutions, to strengthen pathways from applied technology programs, including applied cybersecurity, to appropriate baccalaureate programs.”
###