Cyber Grant Program Gets Short-Term Extension After Shutdown

WASHINGTON — The federal government has granted a short-term extension to the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), offering temporary relief to states and local jurisdictions that rely on the program for strengthening their cyber defenses. The extension, passed as part of legislation to reopen the government after a prolonged shutdown, keeps the program funded through January 30, 2026.

The SLCGP, originally created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, allocated $1 billion over four years to help state, local, and territorial governments modernize their cybersecurity infrastructure. Its authorization expired on September 30, leaving a funding gap during the federal shutdown and creating uncertainty for planned cyber initiatives.

State technology leaders and public-sector cybersecurity officials welcomed the short-term extension but emphasized that it is only a temporary solution. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) praised Congress for acknowledging the importance of the program but warned that the limited extension window makes long-term planning difficult for governments already struggling with cyber staffing shortages and rising threat levels.

Several ongoing concerns remain at the forefront:

• Many smaller jurisdictions report challenges with the program’s rigid requirements and tight application timelines, limiting their ability to fully participate.
  
  
• Governors and state CIOs are calling for a more robust, multi-year reauthorization—with proposed funding increases to as much as $4.5 billion over two years—to ensure more predictable cybersecurity support.
  
  
• The short-term funding patch means states may still face instability as they work to upgrade aging systems and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
  
  

For now, the extension gives state and local governments a brief window of stability as Congress works toward a long-term solution. With the clock ticking toward the January deadline, technology leaders are urging swift action to avoid future gaps in cybersecurity funding and preparedness.