Washington state Chief Information Officer Bill Kehoe said that just because federal funding it tapering out doesn't mean states can relax on cybersecurity.

State chief information officers and other government IT advocates told federal lawmakers the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is essential.

Several states have announced plans to sue in response to the White House memo that stops funding for most programs, including Medicaid.

Federal officials said the rising cost of participating in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program could be tough for states over the next two years.