H.R. 3026: Protecting America’s Cybersecurity Act

This bill, titled the Protecting America’s Cybersecurity Act, has several key provisions aimed at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Below are the main elements of the bill:

Reinstatement of Employees

The bill mandates that any individual who was involuntarily removed from a position at CISA between January 25, 2025, and March 1, 2025, has the option to be reinstated to their former position. If they choose to be reinstated, they would receive backpay according to existing laws regarding federal employee compensation.

Limitations on Employee Removal

The bill imposes restrictions on involuntary removals or transfers of CISA employees. Specifically, no employee can be removed from their position or transferred outside of CISA without Congressional approval. Additionally, funds allocated to CISA cannot be repurposed or withheld unless authorized by a specific law enacted after this bill becomes law.

Exceptions to Removal and Transfer Limitations

There are certain exceptions to the aforementioned rules regarding employee removal. The restrictions do not apply to:

• Individuals who were removed from political positions.
• Individuals removed for misconduct or poor performance.
• Employees in political positions, as defined by specific criteria related to their roles in the government.

Definition of Political Position

The term "political position" includes roles defined by federal law as being part of the Executive Schedule or positions that involve policy-making functions. This ensures that certain high-level government positions are not subject to the same reinstatement or removal restrictions.

Prohibition on DOGE Employees at CISA

Effective under this bill, no federal funds may be used to pay the salary or cover expenses of any employee from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) who is working at CISA. This includes any employee who may have been detailed or transferred to CISA from DOGE.

Summary

Overall, the Protecting America’s Cybersecurity Act seeks to provide job security for CISA employees who were recently removed, limits the circumstances under which employees can be involuntarily transferred or removed, and restricts the involvement of DOGE employees in CISA's operations.

Relevant Companies

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