The House Armed Services Committee unanimously approved a provision for an independent study on the establishment of a U.S. Cyber Force. This provision, added to the House version of the defense policy bill, aims to address bipartisan frustration over the existing military branches’ inability to adequately support U.S. Cyber Command. Led by Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), the initiative mandates the Department of Defense to commission the National Academy of Sciences for a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility and implications of establishing a dedicated armed cyber service.
Despite some opposition, including from Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the committee’s ranking member, the provision was included in the final en bloc of amendments during the markup session. Now, attention turns to the Senate, where the Armed Services Committee is expected to deliberate on its version of the defense policy bill. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is anticipated to reintroduce a similar Cyber Force study provision, previously included in last year’s NDAA draft, with bipartisan support expected.
The proposed Cyber Force study represents a crucial step in addressing the evolving cyber threats posed by foreign adversaries. By evaluating the feasibility of establishing a dedicated armed cyber service, policymakers aim to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities and bolster efforts to combat emerging digital threats effectively. The bipartisan support for the initiative underscores the recognition of the urgent need to bolster U.S. Cyber Command and strengthen the nation’s defense in the digital domain.
