Cyber experts, Democrats urge Trump administration not to break up cyber coordination in State reorg

A congressional hearing examined the State Department’s plan to split the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, with experts and several lawmakers warning the change would fragment cyber diplomacy, reduce coordination with DoD, DHS, CISA, and ONCD, and diminish the bureau’s influence by lowering its leadership access. GAO reported CDP needs more staff and resources and benefits from direct deputy secretary reporting, while broader concerns included recent and potential staffing cuts and challenges recruiting personnel with both technical and diplomatic skills.