The Senate Armed Services Committee rejected an amendment to create a Cyber Force as part of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The proposal, introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), would have established a new military service focused on digital operations. The vote on the nearly $1.2 trillion legislation was 14-13, ending the measure behind closed doors.
The narrow defeat underscores deep divisions within the committee over how to structure U.S. cyber forces. Proponents argued a dedicated service would streamline command and recruitment for cyber missions, while opponents cited bureaucratic costs and disruption to existing structures. The split vote suggests the issue may resurface in future debates or during floor amendments.
The amendment would have carved out cyber operations from the current U.S. Cyber Command model, merging units from across the armed services. Supporters contended that the current arrangement leads to fragmented training and readiness. No further details were provided on the specific responsibilities or budget of the proposed force.
Gillibrand, who serves on the committee, has long advocated for a separate Cyber Force, citing growing threats from state-backed hackers and the need for specialized talent. The NDAA markup remains ongoing, with other amendments still under consideration. The full bill is expected to move to the Senate floor later this year.
This outcome echoes previous unsuccessful attempts to create a Space Force-like service for cyber operations, which faced similar resistance over jurisdictional concerns. The debate highlights a broader tension between modernization and maintaining existing military branches.