Jane Edwards
The Information Technology Industry Council, CompTIA, BSA | The Software Alliance and four other industry associations have called on Congress to provide funding for IT modernization and cybersecurity programs to improve response and recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to Senate leaders, the organizations asked Congress to prioritize in upcoming pandemic response measures additional funding for the Technology Modernization Fund and legislative authority for agencies to establish IT working capital funds.
Lawmakers should provide additional funds to the Department of Homeland Security’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation Program and to state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies to help them address cybersecurity and service delivery challenges during the pandemic.
The organizations also called on Congress to come up with a cybersecurity grant program for state, local and tribal governments and support funding to help improve the Federal Risk Authorization and Management Program.
The Alliance for Digital Innovation, Cybersecurity Coalition, Internet Association and the Coalition for Procurement Advocacy also signed the letter, which was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.); Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.); and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), vice chairman of the Senate panel.
