National Digital Reserve Corps Act This bill establishes a National Digital Reserve Corps in the General Services Administration (GSA) to address the digital and cybersecurity needs of executive agencies. The GSA must establish standards for reservist eligibility and must ensure reservists have the necessary resources and security credentials for service. Reservists must agree to serve for three years and for at least 30 days per year as an active reservist, with up to $10,000 in annual compensation; reservists who fail to accept an offered appointment or complete required duties are subject to fines. The GSA may cover the costs of continuing education for reservists to support their service. The Department of Labor must issue regulations that ensure the reemployment, continuation of benefits, and nondiscrimination in reemployment of active reservists. In August 2021, President Joe Biden established the U.S. Digital Corps within the GSA to support the technological needs of executive agencies, including cybersecurity needs. The corps offers entry-level positions through two-year fellowships, with the option to convert to full-time career positions after completion of the fellowship.
If enacted, HB 162 would significantly impact federal operations by introducing a structured approach to strengthening cybersecurity measures. The GSA would be responsible for maintaining standards for the reservists while ensuring they possess the necessary skills and credentials. Furthermore, the bill allows the GSA to finance continuing education for reservists, promoting skill enhancement in digital domains. This measured response reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity across government functions.
House Bill 162, known as the National Digital Reserve Corps Act, aims to establish a National Digital Reserve Corps under the General Services Administration (GSA). This initiative is designed to enhance the digital and cybersecurity capabilities of federal executive agencies by creating a corps of reservists who would support these agencies. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for reservists, requiring them to serve for three years, working a minimum of 30 days each year, with a specified annual compensation of up to $10,000.
While there is broad agreement on the need to bolster cybersecurity, discussions surrounding HB 162 may highlight concerns regarding the implications of federal reservist service commitments. Notably, the requirement for reservists to complete 30 days of service annually could raise questions about the balance of job commitments, especially considering the bill stipulates punitive measures for noncompliance. Opponents might argue that the fines for failure to serve could deter potential candidates from recognizing the role as an appealing employment opportunity.
Additionally, the bill's introduction comes on the backdrop of President Biden's establishment of the U.S. Digital Corps in 2021, which suggests a continuous effort to address the digital skills gap within federal agencies. However, it also signals a shifting landscape of how technology roles in government might evolve, as the implications for skilled positions transitioning from fellowships to full-time roles could foster debate on employment practices within federal sectors.