The absence of a confirmed director has hindered **CISA's** operational capacity and strategic growth. Secretary Mullin, addressing the House Appropriations Committee subcommittee, stressed that a new leader is essential to initiate a vital hiring surge and fortify the agency's structure. "We don't have the personnel, and so we've got to get my director in place... Put him in place, let him hire his people, and get it built," Mullin stated. ### The Search for a New Director and Staffing Needs While Mullin did not name the anticipated nominee, **Shyam Sankar**, the Chief Technology Officer of **Palantir Technologies**, is widely considered a likely candidate, despite previous White House statements suggesting otherwise. Mullin estimates **CISA** requires approximately 600 new hires to meet its mandate effectively. This comes after **CISA** experienced significant workforce reductions, losing about a third of its staff due to broader federal government downsizing initiatives. Critics, including Democrats, argue these cuts have hampered the agency's ability to engage with state governments and industry partners. Acting Director **Nick Andersen** has indicated that **CISA** has already begun recruitment, aiming to add around 300 new employees in the coming months. Mullin clarified that the objective isn't merely to replenish numbers but to recruit top-tier talent. "I don't want to put bodies in position," he said. "I want to put the talented individuals that know what they're doing and have partnerships with our state and local officials." ### Rebuilding and Strategic Focus Mullin anticipates it will take "probably" a year to fully rebuild **CISA**, with significant progress expected within the first three months under new leadership. He also voiced profound concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy threats emanating from China. "China's working every single day… to try getting into our systems," Mullin warned, underscoring **CISA's** crucial role in defending against such sophisticated adversaries. He highlighted that the responsibility cannot solely fall on private sector giants like **Meta** or **Google**, necessitating clearer congressional guidance on **CISA's** operational scope. ### Investing in Cutting-Edge Technology A key priority for the Department of Homeland Security is the acquisition of advanced technology, including sophisticated surveillance tools and counter-drone capabilities. Mullin emphasized a commitment to investing in current, effective solutions rather than outdated systems. "We don't want technology that we bought last year and it's outdated by the time it gets put in place," he explained, noting that **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** is a "game changer" and a "force multiplier" in this evolving landscape. The department is actively testing new products to address existing vulnerabilities and strengthen national security infrastructure.