Senator Mike Rounds, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Mike Rounds, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds has introduced two new bills aimed at addressing cybersecurity challenges. The Cyber Conspiracy Modernization Act seeks to enhance penalties for cybercrimes by amending the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This amendment would establish a specific penalty for conspiracy under the CFAA, as currently, such charges fall under a general statute with a maximum penalty of five years. The proposed change could result in penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, depending on the crime's severity.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is cosponsoring this legislation.
In addition to this, the Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act of 2025, also known as the Cyber PIVOTT Act, aims to bolster the cybersecurity workforce. It proposes scholarships for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity at two-year technical schools. Recipients would be required to work in government cybersecurity roles for two years post-graduation.
Western Dakota Technical College is among the institutions eligible for participation in this program. Christine Goldsmith, Acting President of Western Dakota Technical College, expressed support for the initiative: “Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) supports Sen. Mike Rounds’ legislation to expand the cybersecurity workforce through technical education scholarships for two-year cyber degrees.”
The Cyber PIVOTT Act is cosponsored by Senator Gary Peters and has a companion bill introduced in the House by Representative Mark Green.
Alerts Sign-up