Landrieu: Cyber Security Funding Included in Senate-Approved Budget Bill
Press Release
The U.S. Senate today approved $443 million for cyber security and cyber education as part of the FY12 Homeland Security Appropriations bill originally authored by U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La. The funding passed the Senate as part of the year-end appropriations package. It now goes to the president to be signed into law.
"Threats to the homeland no longer come just by land, air or sea. In today's high-tech and mobile world, new dangers to our country exist in cyberspace. We must meet these threats with innovative, integrated and bold solutions," Sen. Landrieu said. "With these funds and resources, we can build a highly educated work force that can compete and fill the jobs in this high-tech century."
Of the $443 million, $23 million is invested in cyber security education, outreach and awareness. This funding supports cyber security workforce development and the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) in Bossier City, La., which has been an integral part in the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to develop these critical programs. CIC was awarded a $300,000 grant in July to support cyber security educational programs, which serve as a Nation-wide model.
"The Cyber Innovation Center provides a model for the rest of the country on how to build a cyber security workforce of the future," Sen. Landrieu said. "By helping children discover math and science at an early age, we can cultivate skills critical to our national security."
In August, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano joined Sen. Landrieu to tour Louisiana homeland security sites and visited the Cyber Innovation Center to see the partnership between the local school system and CIC. Since being appointed chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee this year, Sen. Landrieu has focused on building a highly-skilled workforce and a heightened awareness when it comes to the nation's cyber security. She also authored language that encourages DHS and the Department of Defense to work together to develop an effective cyber security strategy.
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