Democratic lawmakers are seeking clarity on whether the hiring freeze enacted by the Trump administration, particularly its impact on cybersecurity roles, is undermining national security. They sent letters to key officials expressing concerns that the lack of clear definitions regarding 'national security' positions is affecting vital cybersecurity roles in federal agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The freeze raises questions about filling critical positions necessary to protect federal networks and manage risks, a particularly pressing issue given the ongoing difficulties in recruiting talented cybersecurity professionals.
Related guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget similarly failed to clarify how agency heads should implement this exemption.
A hiring freeze that precludes Federal agencies from filling cybersecurity positions risks the security of Federal networks and may prevent sector risk management agencies from fulfilling their obligations to help defend critical infrastructure.
Reckless attacks on Federal workers risk reversing recent progress in addressing the Federal government's cyber workforce shortage.
As of February 2, the letter adds, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) doesn't have a single open position posted on the government's USAJOBS website, suggesting the freeze is at the very least affecting CISA's ability to fill infosec roles.
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