The Biden administration’s proposed $1.7 trillion budget includes increased funding for cybersecurity at federal agencies and $753 million in assistance for Ukraine.
The money will be used to counter Russian malign influence and meet emerging needs related to security, energy, cybersecurity, disinformation, macroeconomic stabilization, and civil society resilience.
However, funding for Ukraine could face opposition from the Republican House, which has intra-party divisions on how deeply to support the country’s resistance against Russian invasion.
The proposed budget includes $3.1 billion in spending for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, with the bulk of the additional money going to improving the agency’s internal cybersecurity and analytical capabilities.
The Department of State would receive $395 million for efforts in global cyber and digital development initiatives, including the department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. The Department of Treasury would receive $215 million for cybersecurity, enabling continued implementation of zero trust.
The proposed legislation must be approved by Congress, and while elements such as cybersecurity funding have bipartisan support, others such as a 25% minimum tax on billionaires may face opposition from Republican control of the House of Representatives.
Nonetheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that funding for Ukraine is an investment in global security and democracy, handled responsibly.
