WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) on Wednesday introduced legislation to form a National Digital Reserve Corps, a group of civilian individuals with relevant skills and credentials to address digital and cyber needs across the federal government.
Reservists would sign-up for a three-year period, in which they would work for the federal government for 30 days per calendar year to take on digital and cybersecurity projects, digital education and training, data triage, acquisition assistance, and development of technical solutions. Reservists would also have the opportunity to obtain and maintain security clearances, complete certifications, and receive training and education to better equip them to meet the federal government’s cybersecurity and digital needs. Individuals in the National Digital Reserve Corps would be detailed to federal agencies from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The bill also requires the Department of Labor to issue regulations that ensure reservists jobs are waiting for them once they finish their annual service.
“As we have seen from previous cyberattacks, our government currently lacks the workforce capacity needed to combat ransomware and bad actors,” said Congressman Gonzales. “The National Digital Reserve Corps strives to fill that void with civilian industry experts working in service to our federal government and our national security. This will bring the ingenuity and expertise of the private sector to our federal government to bolster our nation’s cybersecurity defense.”
“As the online landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, our government needs cybersecurity solutions that meet the moment,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “I am proud to introduce the National Digital Reserve Corps Act again this Congress to build the cybersecurity infrastructure we need to keep every American safe. This bipartisan effort will strengthen the systems that our constituents rely on to make the government work for them.”
Read the full text of the bill here.