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H.R. 7003: BIS Strategic Talent Recruitment to Enhance National Guardrails for Technological Handling Act

This bill, titled the BIS Strategic Talent Recruitment to Enhance National Guardrails for Technological Handling Act or the BIS STRENGTH Act, proposes measures to help the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) attract highly qualified experts. In summary, the bill includes several key provisions:

Identification of Expertise Gaps

The Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security is responsible for conducting an annual study. This study aims to identify specific areas where there are significant gaps in expertise within the Bureau that hinder its ability to perform effectively. It focuses on occupations that are difficult to fill through the regular civil service process.

Appointment of Personnel

Based on the findings of the annual study, the Under Secretary is allowed to:

  • Hire personnel from outside the civil service, bypassing usual hiring protocols, to fill these critical positions.
  • Set the compensation for these positions, which can be up to the maximum allowed for senior-level positions in the federal government.

Limits on Employment Terms and Compensation

There are specific constraints designed to manage these appointments:

  • Employees hired under this bill can only serve for a maximum of five years, though this can be extended for up to one more year if deemed necessary by the Under Secretary for national security or foreign policy reasons.
  • The total annual compensation for these employees cannot exceed the maximum compensation set for the Vice President of the United States.
  • The number of experts hired at any one time is capped at 25.

Reporting Requirements

The Under Secretary is required to submit a detailed report within 180 days of the law being enacted, and then annually thereafter. This report must include:

  • Areas where expertise gaps were identified.
  • Steps taken to fill these gaps through civil service hires.
  • The number of individuals hired under this authority.
  • Qualifications and responsibilities of these individuals.
  • The impact of these hires on fulfilling the Bureau's mission.

Provisions for Existing Employees

If the authority to make these hires is terminated, existing employees holding these positions will not be removed before their appointment period expires. Their salary cannot be reduced as long as they remain in their roles without interruption.

Background Checks and Qualifications

The bill clarifies that it does not waive any requirements for background checks or qualifications for applicants to positions in the Bureau of Industry and Security.

Termination of Authority

The authority granted by this bill will be effective for five years from the date of enactment, after which it will no longer be in effect.

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Sponsors

3 bill sponsors

Actions

2 actions

Date Action
Jan. 09, 2026 Introduced in House
Jan. 09, 2026 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

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