Lawmakers grill Noem over CISA funding cuts, demand Trump cyber plan
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced tough questioning on Tuesday from both parties in Congress regarding a recent budget proposal cutting $491 million from the cybersecurity agency’s budget. Noem had to defend these cuts while under pressure to provide clarity on the Trump administration’s plans for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
During her appearance before the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, Noem described the cuts as a “refocusing” of CISA’s efforts, despite bipartisan concerns that it could weaken the nation’s cyberdefences against threats from countries like Russia, China, and Iran.
Key Points
- The proposed budget cut of $491 million would affect CISA for fiscal 2026.
- Recent cuts included a $10 million reduction for critical information sharing centres aimed at combating cyberthreats.
- Congress members expressed alarm that diminished funding could compromise national cybersecurity efforts, particularly against foreign adversaries.
- Noem stated that further details on President Trump’s cyber plan will be forthcoming, despite ongoing cuts to CISA’s resources.
- Both Republicans and Democrats demand clarity on how to address increasing cyber threats, particularly from state-backed entities like China.
Why should I read this?
If you’re concerned about the future of cybersecurity in the US, this article dives into a heated congressional hearing that’s got everyone talking. It addresses significant budget cuts that could impact national security. Noem’s responses and the bipartisan grilling she faced make this a must-read for anyone wanting to stay in the loop about cybersecurity policy and political accountability.