Senator Pushes to Ensure Harry Coker’s Smooth Transition as National Cyber Director

An independent lawmaker is ensuring a smooth transition for the national cyber director post, an office he believes plays a vital role in coordinating the government’s cyber operations.

On Wednesday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nomination of Harry Coker, President Joe Biden’s choice as the next lead of the White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director, to the Senate floor.

While the Senate will be taking a break due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, told reporters that he plans to ask Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to hold a vote on Coker’s nomination as soon as the Senate resumes from the recess, Federal News Network reported.

According to King, Coker sees the ONCD as “a long-term, consistent position,” something much needed by the office.

Coker’s nomination came in July after Chris Inglis left the position and acting national cyber director Kemba Walden declined to be considered for the permanent role.