White House wants to boost cyber funds for fiscal 2026

The White House, via OMB Director Shalanda Young and National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr., instructed federal agencies to align upcoming budgets with the National Cyber Strategy, accelerate zero-trust maturity with updated plans due in 120 days and targets by end of FY2026, and reflect the critical infrastructure security memorandum including potential sector-specific minimum requirements and open-source software security and sustainability. The memo acknowledges obstacles to harmonized standards (e.g., legal challenges and implications of the Chevron ruling) and emphasizes expanding the federal cyber workforce through skills-based hiring practices and reduced degree requirements.