Released yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security’s budget request for fiscal year 2020 includes over $51 billion to fight terrorism, defend critical infrastructure and protect federal networks from cyber threats.
Details of the request outline $51.7 billion in discretionary funding and an extra $19.4 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund. Among its funding requests, DHS is asking for $5 billion to build the hotly-contested border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. To further secure the border, DHS is requesting over $232 million to equip law enforcement personnel with emerging surveillance technology.
To better protect the U.S. from digital threats, DHS is asking for $1.3 billion for programs that safeguard federal civilian IT systems and to build out its newly created Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
In addition, $371.4 million has been requested for proactive cybersecurity, supporting the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which works to share information about cyber threats between the government and the private sector.
DHS is also asking for $11.4 million to hire at least 150 new cybersecurity professionals by the end of fiscal 2020, by boosting the yet-to-be launched Cyber Talent Management System. Currently under development, the system would help DHS recruit and retain skilled cybersecurity talent.