119th (2025–2027)
S. 2603
S. 2603 strengthens the role of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy by making that official a principal staff advisor to the Secretary of Defense on cybersecurity matters. The bill requires the Assistant Secretary to report directly to the Secretary of Defense without going through any intermediate authority, and allows them to present their views on cyber policy issues directly to the Secretary without needing approval from other Defense Department officials. This change affects the internal organization of the Department of Defense and aims to elevate cybersecurity policy in the Pentagon's decision-making structure. The bill contains no new funding or specific implementation timeline—it is simply a structural reorganization of how the Defense Department handles cyber policy at the senior leadership level.