Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3855

Introduced
6/6/23  

Caption

National Digital Reserve Corps Act

Impact

The establishment of the National Digital Reserve Corps is anticipated to have a significant impact on how federal agencies address their digital needs. The corps will not only provide technical assistance in areas such as cybersecurity services and digital education but will also ensure that agencies can access qualified personnel to enhance their operations. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $30 million to support the implementation of this program, which reflects the federal government's commitment to improving its digital resilience and safeguarding sensitive information against cyber threats.

Summary

House Bill 3855, titled the 'National Digital Reserve Corps Act,' aims to establish a National Digital Reserve Corps within the General Services Administration. This program is intended to address the increasing digital and cybersecurity needs of various U.S. Executive agencies. By creating this corps, the bill seeks to recruit and assign individuals with relevant skills to support government agencies in bolstering their digital infrastructure and capabilities. The initiative is viewed as a proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with digital threats and to enhance governmental operations through improved cybersecurity measures.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity, some concerns may arise regarding the oversight and management of the recruited reservists. Questions related to the effectiveness of the training provided, the integration of these reservists within existing agency frameworks, and the long-term sustainability of such a program are likely to emerge as the bill is debated. Moreover, there may be discussions about the balance between federal oversight and the need for agencies to maintain their unique operational needs while participating in this standardized support structure.

Companion Bills

US HB162

Related 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.

Similar Bills

US HB162

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.

US HB4480

Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act SERV Act

US HB3315

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023

US HB10147

RECRUIT Act of 2024 Reserve Employers Comprehensive Relief and Uniform Incentives on Taxes Act of 2024

US HB828

Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act or the SERV Act This bill requires (1) the Small Business Administration to report on the veterans interagency task force; and (2) the Government Accountability Office to report on access to credit for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, Reservists, or their spouses.

UT HB0176

Elected Official Vacancy Amendments

CA AB2521

Reservists: active duty: deferment of financial obligations.

US SB3328

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023