First Kilmer Amendment to Improve Cybersecurity Education Passes House
Yesterday, a bill containing the first amendment offered by Representative Derek Kilmer passed in the House of Representatives. The bill, the “Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2013,” addresses efforts to research and address the United States’ cybersecurity. The “Cybersecurity Enhancement Act” would also seek to increase the capacity of the higher education system to produce an information technology workforce with skills that can enhance the United States’ communications and information infrastructure.
Representative Kilmer’s amendment would ensure colleges and universities have access to tools needed to graduate the high tech workforce required to keep America safe from online threats by requiring the National Science Foundation to evaluate cybersecurity courses and degree programs. It also would use the private sector to help students gain critical real world experience while earning their degrees.
This amendment was originally adopted in the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in March.
“The best thing we can do for the students of today is equip them with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Representative Derek Kilmer. “Our students need the best possible training – including valuable real world research and problem-solving experience – for jobs that protect our public and private sector networks. Not only will this open pathways to good-paying careers for our students, but it will also strengthen our national security and economic prosperity.”