Committee and witnesses emphasize workforce development, education and public outreach for cybersecurity preparedness

Members of the House Committee on Homeland Security and witnesses at a field hearing at Stanford said bolstering the cybersecurity workforce and public awareness is essential to long‑term resilience.

Former national security adviser H. R. McMaster said maintaining a competitive advantage requires investments in human capital and visas for graduates who can bolster U.S. talent pools. "Maintaining our advantage in human capital should include attracting the best talent to our universities and granting visas to graduates," he said.

Witnesses recommended earlier and broader exposure to computing and security in school curricula and more hands‑on opportunities for young people. Jack Cable described his own path into cybersecurity through early vulnerability research and urged more competitions and programs that provide practical experience. "I found my first vulnerability in a bug bounty program" he said, describing how such programs can lead to government and private‑sector careers.

Panelists suggested universities should require security coursework for computer science degrees, and urged more internships, public‑private exchanges and reserve models that allow technical experts to split time between industry and government. Members also discussed outreach to parents and teachers to introduce digital literacy and safe use of AI to young students. No formal education legislation was adopted at the hearing; members said they would continue to pursue workforce measures that bridge government, academia and private industry.