By a 92-7 vote, the Senate passed a bill that will elevate United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) from under the auspices of the National Security Agency (NSA) into an independent full combat command, pending approval by the president, according to The Hill.
The unit that centralizes cyberspace operations and coordinates the defense of U.S. military networks has been subordinate to U.S. Strategic Command, while sharing resources with the NSA. But, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision to split the unit off as its "own fully fledged war-fighting unit," The Hill stated.
Admiral Mike Rogers is slated to keep his dual role as director of both the NSA and Cyber Command. While Rogers has previously voiced his support for the split, he also has voiced concern that he believed the unit was not yet ready to leave the auspices of the NSA.
Complicating the proceedings, Rogers is under consideration to replace James Clapper as Director of National Intelligence.
