House Democrats seek GAO probe into CISA staffing cuts

Five House Democrats have requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the impact of significant staffing reductions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The lawmakers, led by Representatives James Walkinshaw and Bennie Thompson, expressed concern that CISA has lost nearly one-third of its workforce, totaling approximately 1,000 employees through layoffs or voluntary departures, since the start of the Trump administration.

The group is asking the GAO to examine how these personnel and programmatic cuts affect the agency’s ability to protect federal networks and critical infrastructure against accelerating cyber and physical threats. The request seeks details on CISA’s workforce changes over the last five years, including its size, composition, geographic distribution, and reliance on contractors.

While acting director Nick Andersen previously indicated plans to hire 300 employees to address staffing gaps, lawmakers noted that the loss of key leadership and specialized knowledge remains a concern. The GAO has confirmed receipt of the request and is currently determining its next steps.