Senators pressure nominated leader of CISA on election security concerns, focus of agency highlighted

Sean Plankey, President Donald Trump's nominee to head the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is currently in a transitional phase, awaiting full Senate confirmation after being advanced by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. If confirmed, Plankey aims to rebuild and refocus CISA, which is facing challenges such as staffing losses and budget cuts proposed in the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 plan.

During a Senate confirmation hearing, Plankey expressed his commitment to CISA’s core mission, which includes protecting federal networks and critical infrastructure, and empowering CISA’s cybersecurity operators to effectively do their work. He prioritised the continuation of key cybersecurity programs such as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).

However, the confirmation process has not been without controversy. Senator Ron Wyden has placed a hold on Plankey’s confirmation pending the public release of a 2022 report on telecommunications industry vulnerabilities, although CISA plans to release this report soon.

Regarding election security, while specific new plans under Plankey have not been detailed yet, he has expressed a commitment to CISA’s core mission, which includes helping state and local election officials secure their technology. He clarified that CISA's role will be limited to helping states protect the technology that underpins election infrastructure, and it is not CISA's job to censor or determine truths on social media or any level of media.

The sharpest exchange of the hearing involved Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., questioning Plankey about Trump's false claims about the 2020 presidential election. Blumenthal expressed concern that Plankey’s response undermined the confidence in the election apparatus and the credibility of the election system. Plankey maintained CISA's focus on helping state and local election officials secure their technology, and promised that CISA will still work on election security.

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., asked Plankey how he would ensure that CISA fulfilled all of its responsibilities after losing so many employees. Plankey indicated that if current funding levels are insufficient, he will actively seek additional resources and support from the Department of Homeland Security. He also mentioned potential restructuring within CISA to maximize operational effectiveness under budget constraints.

Plankey's goal is to empower the most capable cybersecurity people in CISA to operate and do the best they can. If that means reorganizing or seeking additional funding, he is willing to do so. Prior to his nomination, Plankey served as the No. 2 official in the Energy Department's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response during Trump's first term, and worked as a director for cyber policy at the National Security Council, where he focused on maritime cybersecurity issues.

In summary, under Sean Plankey’s prospective leadership, CISA is poised to address budget reductions and staffing challenges by restructuring and empowering its workforce, maintaining critical information-sharing and grant programs to enhance election security and overall cyber defense, and seeking adequate funding support to fulfill its mission. The agency is currently in a transitional phase awaiting full confirmation of Plankey’s appointment to solidify leadership and advance these efforts.

Senators pressure nominated leader of CISA on election security concerns, focus of agency highlighted