A look at the week of March 7 in public advocacy for the IT channel
This week, the House voted to repeal the 1099 requirement, but the Congressional debate is far from over. The interim spending bill passed by Congress cuts Department of Homeland Security (DHS) network security programs by $20 million. The federal government is evaluating its cybersecurity staffing needs and potential plans for an increase in personnel.
1099 Repeal: Not Over Yet — Although the House joined the Senate in voting to repeal the expanded 1099 tax provision reporting requirements, the two chambers remain far apart on the details. The crucial difference is over how to fund the repeal, reports The New York Times. House Republicans used the bill as an opportunity to criticize the health care law, forcing Democrats to choose between protecting small business and defending their biggest legislative effort in recent memory.
Interim Spending Law Cuts Cybersecurity Funds — Congress agreed to eliminate $20 million from network security programs to keep the government operating through March 18. The cut was far less severe than the $60 million House appropriators had proposed last month. The short-term continuing resolution signed into law last week will trim the Department of Homeland Security account that safeguards critical networks and facilities, says Nextgov.com.
Government Evaluating Cyber Staffing Needs — Coordination across multiple agencies to train cybersecurity specialists, federal employees and the public on data protection is a difficult undertaking. Among the most challenging components is integrating the myriad of existing agency programs and setting up education requirements and career paths for staff. According to Government Executive, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education has begun developing performance benchmarks and working with universities and the private sector to begin to create and define a cyber workforce.
