Story perspectives

CISA Chief Withdraws Nomination Amid Shutdown, Staff Furloughed

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sean Plankey withdrew his nomination after the Senate failed to confirm him and after Senator Rick Scott placed a hold over concerns about his Coast Guard advisory role.
Acting director Nick Andersen now leads CISA while the agency operates under a shutdown that began Feb 14, limiting its response.
60% of staff were furloughed until Secretary Markwayne Mullin recalled them, while the shutdown delayed filling 300 vacancies and canceled CyberCorps internships.

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Story summary

Sean Plankey withdrew his nomination after the Senate failed to confirm him and after Senator Rick Scott placed a hold over concerns about his Coast Guard advisory role.
Acting director Nick Andersen now leads CISA while the agency operates under a shutdown that began Feb 14, limiting its response.
60% of staff were furloughed until Secretary Markwayne Mullin recalled them, while the shutdown delayed filling 300 vacancies and canceled CyberCorps internships.