The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is moving closer to developing legislative proposals for a number of Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommendations, and Chair Ron Johnson (R-WI) has signaled the committee could start with a proposal to create a new White House Cybersecurity Directorate. Restoring and expanding the White House Cybersecurity Coordinator position eliminated in 2018 by then-National Security Advisor John Bolton is a top priority for a number of Republican and Democratic members of Congress.
Carving out specific roles and responsibilities for the directorate that don’t conflict with those of CISA – created in the interim – and other agencies will be key. The new position would be charged with bridging the gap between the country’s defensive and offensive capabilities; the commission envisions a civilian leader for the role.