Congress is preparing to confirm Sean Plankey as the new Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As he faces the Senate for confirmation, questions have arisen regarding CISA's role in protecting election systems from foreign cyberattacks.
Senators are urged not to advance Plankey's nomination until he provides clear answers on how CISA will collaborate with state and local officials to safeguard elections. The agency has been instrumental in countering threats from nations like Russia, China, and Iran, which have engaged in digital interference campaigns targeting U.S. elections.
In 2024, CISA played a crucial role by warning election officials about threats such as white powder envelopes sent to election offices, attacks on ballot boxes, fires in ballot dropboxes, and bomb threats. Despite these challenges, voting operations were minimally impacted due to CISA's efforts.
However, concerns have emerged following CISA's decision in February to pause all election security work for an internal review. Since then, funding cuts and staff layoffs have occurred, leaving election officials without necessary support. Calls for transparency about this internal review remain unanswered despite demands from various organizations and members of Congress.
The Senate must question Plankey about his willingness to release the internal review report and clarify the rationale behind recent cuts at CISA. Without transparency on future services offered by CISA, states may struggle to prepare for upcoming elections.
Reports suggest further reductions at CISA might be imminent, including potential staff cuts and budget reductions. A March Executive Order directed agencies to reassess critical infrastructure policies which could affect National Security Memorandum 22 that designates elections as critical infrastructure under CISA’s protection.
Election officials express concerns over trust issues with CISA’s assessments potentially being misused against them or shared with political actors. Restoring trust requires transparent leadership committed to protecting critical election infrastructure.
The public deserves clarity on whether CISA will continue investing in securing national election infrastructure against cyber threats. The responsibility now lies with the Senate to ask probing questions and with Plankey to provide definitive answers.