H.R. 7413: Hiring Improvement and Recruitment Empowerment for Drug Enforcement Administration Act

This bill, known as the HIRE DEA Act, is focused on improving recruitment and hiring for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States. It provides the Attorney General with the authority to directly hire qualified individuals for specific positions within the DEA without having to follow the usual federal hiring processes, which can be lengthy and complex. Here are the main points of what the bill would do:

Direct Hire Authority

From fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2034, the Attorney General can appoint candidates to covered positions within the DEA without adhering to certain federal hiring regulations. This aims to streamline the hiring process and enable quicker staffing to address drug trafficking activities.

Definition of Covered Positions

The bill defines "covered positions" to include a range of roles that are crucial for the DEA’s operations, such as:

• Program Managers
• Project Managers
• Criminal Investigators/Special Agents (in the classification series 1811 or any successor series)
• Intelligence Analysts/Intelligence Research Specialists
• Forensic Specialists
• Community Outreach Coordinators
• Any other relevant positions identified by the Attorney General based on the evolving challenges in drug trafficking

Purpose of the Bill

The primary objective of this bill is to enhance the DEA's capability to combat drug trafficking by ensuring that qualified personnel can be hired quickly and effectively in response to emerging threats. The flexibility in hiring is intended to allow the DEA to adapt to the changing landscape of drug-related criminal activity.

Applicable Timeframe

This direct hire authority is specified to be in effect for a period of eight years, spanning from 2027 to 2034. This timeframe allows the DEA to make substantive staffing changes as necessary during that period.

Other Provisions

While the main focus is on hiring, the bill's introduction indicates that there may be additional provisions or considerations as the bill moves through the legislative process, especially during discussions in relevant committees.

Relevant Companies

None found