Kristi Noem Grilled on Military Parade Funding and Cybersecurity at DHS

Military Parade Funding and National Security

• 📌 DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was questioned by Rep. Lauren Underwood regarding a reported "military parade" on June 14th, coinciding with President Trump's birthday.
• 💰 The event is designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), meaning DHS will use taxpayer funds for enhanced security, but cost estimates were not immediately available.
• ⚠️ Noem committed to providing cost details and stated she would assess the appropriateness of NSSE designations for other military branch anniversaries.

Cybersecurity Threats and DHS Strategy

• ⚡ The discussion highlighted ongoing threats from cyber criminals and foreign adversaries, specifically mentioning "Salt Typhoon" and "Volt Typhoon."
• 💡 Noem emphasized DHS's mission to "hunt and harden" and support state and local entities, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, in their cybersecurity defenses.
• ❓ Underwood expressed concern over reported workforce reductions and budget cuts to CISA and other DHS components, questioning the timing without a released "president's grand cyber plan."
• 🗓️ Noem indicated the president's cyber plan would be released "shortly" and defended current actions as necessary to "put CISA back on mission."

DHS Workforce Support

• ❤️ Secretary Noem affirmed a commitment to continuing funding for programs supporting the health, mental health, and overall well-being of DHS personnel and their families.
• ✅ Rep. Underwood expressed hope for bipartisan agreement on prioritizing the support of DHS employees.