FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Andrew Garbarino’s (NY-02) bipartisan DHS Cybersecurity Internship Program Act passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote yesterday, December 10th, 2024. This bill grants the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to provide paid cybersecurity internships to students attending secondary and technical schools, and undergraduate and postgraduate institutions. This legislation also requires DHS to provide an annual report to Congress regarding the number of participating individuals, job duties, supporting agencies, outreach, and recruiting efforts implemented by the DHS program.

“If our nation hopes to keep pace with our adversaries’ developing cyber capabilities and confront an ever-evolving threat landscape, ensuring our brightest young minds have the opportunities they need to succeed in the cyber workforce must be of vital importance. I am incredibly proud to see my bipartisan legislation, the DHS Cybersecurity Internship Program Act, pass in the House. While 2,000 cyber vacancies continue to impede DHS’s capacity to respond to attacks and proactively prepare for future intrusions, this critical legislation will serve as a necessary boon to the Department’s current limitations. My gratitude is with Rep. Garbarino for standing by my side in support of this essential cause, and I look forward to seeing our colleagues in the Senate advance our legislation and ultimately send it to the president’s desk,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

“The House took an important step toward strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity with the passage of the DHS Cybersecurity Internship Program Act. This bipartisan bill addresses the urgent need for skilled cyber talent to safeguard our national security. By codifying a comprehensive, paid internship program at DHS, we are equipping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities, while building a robust talent pipeline to confront evolving threats. I am proud to co-lead this effort with Congresswoman Clarke to invest in the workforce that will protect and defend America’s critical infrastructure,” said Congressman Garbarino.

Full bill text is available here.

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