Delays in finalizing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) incident reporting rule may occur if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces another shutdown. This warning comes as DHS officials discussed the potential impacts during a recent House hearing.
A continuing resolution funding DHS expires soon, and Republicans and Democrats are struggling to agree on immigration reforms. Republicans argue that certain components, like Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are already mostly funded. In contrast, Democrats stress the need for more reforms before moving forward with DHS spending.
Madhu Gottumukkala, CISA’s acting director, mentioned that if a shutdown happens, about one-third of CISA’s workforce—around 900 employees—would work without pay, focusing only on essential functions like public safety. This means that crucial efforts to finalize the cyber incident reporting rule could be put on hold. “We’re committed to doing our job, but we can’t do everything when resources are limited,” he stated.
During the hearing, concerns were raised about CISA’s internal changes. Since the Trump administration, the agency has cut around 1,000 positions. Gottumukkala reassured lawmakers that there are no current plans for major structural changes but emphasized the importance of aligning staff with mission-critical areas.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could face significant challenges if a shutdown occurs. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill noted that around 95% of the TSA’s 61,000 employees might continue working without pay, but the mental toll is high. During a previous shutdown, unscheduled absences nearly doubled, with staff reportedly taking on second jobs or even sleeping in their cars to cope financially. The agency saw a 25% rise in attrition rates last fall, which is concerning as they prepare for busy travel seasons.
Shutdowns can also hinder the recruitment efforts of key organizations like the Coast Guard and the Secret Service. Vice Adm. Thomas Allan pointed out that workforce morale significantly drops during these periods, impacting their ability to attract talent. Similarly, the Secret Service is in the middle of a major hiring initiative. “We may not see immediate effects, but the repercussions of delayed hiring and paused programs will linger,” warned Matthew Quinn, deputy director of the Secret Service.
While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has funding available through the Disaster Relief Fund during a shut down, it’s important to note that a disruption hampers essential long-term planning with local governments. As Gregg Phillips, FEMA’s associate administrator, highlighted, the absence of training for first responders can have a lasting impact on communities.
Overall, the challenges posed by potential shutdowns would not only stall essential rule-making and recruitment efforts but could also affect public safety and emergency preparedness on multiple levels. As stakeholders navigate these complex issues, the urgency for comprehensive discussions and collaborative efforts in Congress remains critical.
For more information on FEMA’s operations during crises, you can visit their official website.
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