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Bill

HR 494

To amend the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 to make improvements to the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Gerry Connolly and 1 co-sponsor

HR 494 extends the service requirement for cybersecurity scholarship recipients from 3 to 5 years, boosting the federal cybersecurity workforce and supporting students' education.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 494

Summary of HR 494: Amendments to the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014

Bill Number: HR 494
Title: To amend the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 to make improvements to the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program, and for other purposes.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: January 16, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 494 is to enhance the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program, which is designed to support students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity. By amending the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014, the bill seeks to improve the structure and benefits of this scholarship program, thereby encouraging more individuals to enter the cybersecurity workforce.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Section 302 of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 (15 U.S.C. 7442):

  1. Extension of Service Requirement:

    • The required service period for scholarship recipients is extended from 3 years to 5 years. This change aims to ensure that graduates contribute to the federal cybersecurity workforce for a longer duration, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

  2. Loan Amount Clarification:

    • The bill clarifies the treatment of loans under the program. It states that the full amount of a loan described in subsection (i) will be covered, regardless of any limitations imposed by part D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or related regulations. This provision is intended to provide greater financial support to students, ensuring they can fully fund their education without being restricted by previous loan limits.

Affected Parties

The amendments proposed in HR 494 would primarily impact:

  • Students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity who are eligible for the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program. The extended service requirement may influence their career planning and commitments post-graduation.
  • Federal Agencies that rely on a skilled cybersecurity workforce, as the bill aims to increase the number of trained professionals available to meet national security needs.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: January 16, 2025
  • Legislative Action: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the same day it was introduced. Further discussions and evaluations will take place within this committee before any potential voting or amendments.

Conclusion

HR 494 seeks to strengthen the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program by extending the service commitment for scholarship recipients and clarifying loan coverage. These changes are designed to bolster the cybersecurity workforce in the United States, addressing the critical need for skilled professionals in an increasingly digital world. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for students and federal agencies will become clearer.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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