CISA Acting Director Defends One-Third Staffing Cut Before House

Acting Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Madhu Gottumukkala testified before the House Homeland Security Committee on January 21, 2026, to address substantial workforce reductions. A staffing chart submitted during the hearing indicated 998 departures and 65 involuntary reassignments since the start of the Trump administration, representing a decrease of approximately one-third of the agency's staff over the last 12 months.

Gottumukkala defended the cuts as a mission-first approach aligned with the goals of the second Trump administration, arguing that agency capability is measured by outcomes rather than headcount. Democratic committee members questioned the lack of formal analysis to determine if remaining staffing levels are sufficient to meet the agency's national security objectives.

The hearing also covered internal agency controversies. Committee members questioned Gottumukkala regarding a reported failed polygraph exam and the attempted reassignment of Chief Information Officer Bob Costello. Additionally, the session addressed plans to establish a secure intelligence facility in South Dakota for Secretary Kristi Noem.