U.S. Representative Don Bacon, Chairman of the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee, addressed the cyber posture of the Department of Defense during a hearing held on Apr. 21.
The hearing comes as cyber activity targeting U.S. infrastructure has increased, including recent attacks against telecommunications and critical infrastructure networks. The integration of cyber operations into military activities is also growing.
In his prepared remarks, Bacon said, “Today’s hearing comes at a time of increased cyber activity targeting U.S. infrastructure, including recent campaigns against telecommunications and critical infrastructure networks.” He continued by noting that “cyber operations are being integrated into military operations more than ever before,” referencing U.S. Cyber Command’s support for Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran and Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.
Bacon highlighted developments within the Department over several years: “the Cyber Mission Force has grown and matured; Cyber Command has received enhanced budget control; the role of the Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy has been established and filled; and the Department has stood up the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command—DCDC—as a sub-unified command.” He added that these changes are ongoing with an organizational reform effort called “CYBERCOM 2.0,” which aims to improve workforce management, training, readiness, and operational effectiveness by creating more defined career paths and enabling greater specialization.
The House Armed Services Committee includes notable members such as Representatives Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, and Robert J. Wittman according to the official website. The committee oversees programs related to national defense under its jurisdiction defined in Rule X of the U.S. House Rules according to its official website. Representative Mike Rogers served as chair for both the 118th and 119th Congresses according to committee records.
The committee influences legislation through processes like community project funding via National Defense Authorization Act provisions as reported by its official site, while operating under congressional oversight for national defense matters according to its official website.
Bacon concluded his statement by saying he looked forward to learning how these efforts are improving departmental readiness: “We look forward to hearing about how these efforts are improving the Department’s cyber posture and where challenges remain.”