The Cybersecurity Coalition has spearheaded a letter to White House chief of staff Jeff Zients calling on President Biden to submit a nomination for National Cyber Director before the end of July, while also recommending development of an executive order that would clarify the Office of the National Cyber Director’s role among other cyber-focused agencies.
“We the undersigned organizations respectfully urge President Biden to nominate a National Cyber Director before the end of July considering the ever-changing and increasingly complex cyber landscape. Swift action is crucial in filling this role to protect our nation against ongoing threats and effectively tackle the challenges that lie ahead of us,” according to the letter sent today.
It was signed by the Cybersecurity Coalition, BSA-The Software Alliance, Information Technology Industry Council, Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law, and Better Identity Coalition.
Lawmakers including Cyberspace Solarium Commission leaders, other industry groups and the Government Accountability Office all have weighed in with calls for the president to fill the position, which has been vacant since the first National Cyber Director, Chris Inglis, resigned in February.
Many have voiced strong support for formally nominating Acting Director Kemba Walden to the position.
An industry source observed that Walden has “a lot of support right now,” while adding it’s unclear whether any other names are in the mix at the White House.
Industry sources are expressing concern that it will be increasingly difficult to move any nominations through the Senate after the August recess and heading into an election year.
The new letter notes “we are concerned that the delay in nominating a candidate for the National Cyber Director role could impede the great work accomplished under Director Inglis and Acting Director Walden, hinder the implementation of the National Cyber Strategy, and jeopardize the effectiveness of ONCD.”
The group says, “The nomination of this position presents a critical opportunity for the Administration to cement the significance of this office. Therefore, we urge you to promptly send a nomination to the Senate, and advocate for an expedited confirmation process to avoid the inevitable delays in nominations as an election nears.”
The signers also take a look at the ONCD’s still-evolving role, saying, “as a nominee is confirmed, we strongly recommend issuing an Executive Order to prevent confusion and publicly clarify the cybersecurity-oriented roles and responsibilities” of ONCD, the National Security Council, CISA, OMB, NIST and other agencies.
“Congress’s decision to make this a Senate-confirmed position has created potential overlaps, making such a clarification necessary,” the letter says. “However, the way these issues are handled will define the Biden Administration’s lasting impact on cybersecurity policy and can demonstrate a comprehensive whole-of-government cybersecurity approach.” – Charlie Mitchell (cmitchell@iwpnews.com)