S 1466 Introduced – Cybersecurity Apprenticeships

Last month Sen. Rosen (D,NV) introduced S 1466, the Cyber Ready Workforce Act. The bill would require the Department of Labor to establish a grant program “to support the establishment, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity” {§4(a)}. This is a companion bill (identical language) to HR 2721.

Rosen is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. This means that there is a good chance that this bill will be considered in Committee.

As with HR 2721 there is nothing in this bill that would engender any significant opposition. The vague ‘such funds as may be necessary’ authorization included in the bill may be weasel-worded enough to prevent spending issues from clouding the consideration of the bill. If the bill receives substantial bipartisan support in Committee, this bill would likely move to the floor of the Senate under the unanimous consent process.

Bills Introduced – 05-14-19

Yesterday with both the House and Senate in session there were 102 bills introduced. Three of these bills may receive additional coverage in this blog:

HR 2705 To establish a Water Infrastructure Trust Fund, and for other purposes. Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3] 

HR 2721 To establish a grant program within the Department of Labor to support the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity. Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

S 1466 A bill to establish a grant program within the Department of Labor to support the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity. Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

I will be watching the water infrastructure bill to see if it includes language specifically allowing for fund expenditures for chemical security measures or cybersecurity measures; I am not holding my breath.

The other two bills are probably companion measures (identical language). I will be watching them for definitions and language that would specifically include control system cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.