CISA's cyber-protection teams can only do so much without enhanced threat-hunting authority — and with a vacancy in leadership looming large, lawmakers said.

Defense funding will likely be curtailed to address federal deficit increases, at a time when when investments in cybersecurity and 5G are needed to compete with China, the Virginia senator said.

The lawmakers are asking the Appropriations Committee to consider adding $1 billion in TMF funding in the forthcoming coronavirus relief package.

“We’re really in uncharted territory here," said the attorney leading Ward & Berry's government contracts practice.

Lawmakers want to ensure a streamlined process will still exclude "the Edward Snowdens of the world."

The backlog of background checks — typically more than 200 days for most new hires who need a clearance — has ripple effects throughout the region, according to the Greater Washington Partnership.