WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE

The bipartisan leaders of the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday raised concerns about the division of responsibilities among key federal cybersecurity officials, noting that without clarification, the situation could “stunt” the response to challenges.

Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member John Katko (R-N.Y.), subcommittee on Cybersecurity Chairwoman Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and ranking member Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) sent a letter to White House National Cyber Director (NCD) Chris Inglis detailing their concerns.

The lawmakers asked him how his responsibilities complement those of Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology (DNSACET), and Jen Easterly, who was recently confirmed by the Senate to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

“While the talent that you and other senior cybersecurity officials bring to bear is undeniably encouraging, we remain concerned that lingering confusion about the roles and responsibilities among the NCD, CISA Director, and the DNSACET will stunt whole-of-government efforts to address pressing cybersecurity challenges facing the nation,” the lawmakers wrote to Inglis.