Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5000
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-19T20:05:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to update federal hiring practices for certain cybersecurity roles in the competitive service by restricting how agencies can use educational requirements when evaluating candidates.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to existing statute: The bill modifies Section 3308 of title 5, United States Code, which addresses minimum qualifications for federal positions.
- Limits on education requirements:
- Agencies may set a minimum education level for covered positions only if state or local law requires it to perform the job duties.
- Agencies may consider a candidate's education for other qualifications only if it directly matches the skills needed for the role.
- Reporting requirements: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must publish on its website, starting one year after enactment and annually thereafter:
- Any updates to education-related qualification standards for these positions.
- Aggregate data on the education levels of new hires in these positions, broken down by job classification.
- Covered positions defined: Includes roles classified under the GS-2210 information technology management series and other competitive service positions labeled as "cybersecurity" under the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act narrows the discretion previously available to agencies and OPM under Section 3308 by adding specific restrictions on using education as a screening tool for cybersecurity jobs. It shifts emphasis toward competencies and skills rather than formal degrees, while requiring ongoing transparency through public reporting.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Federal departments may face adjustments in recruitment processes, potentially expanding the applicant pool for technical roles but requiring updates to qualification standards.
- Citizens: Individuals without college degrees could gain greater access to cybersecurity positions in the federal workforce.
- International relations: No direct effects are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies hiring for competitive service cybersecurity positions.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), responsible for oversight and reporting.
- Job applicants and current employees in GS-2210 or NICE-designated cybersecurity roles.
- Congress, through its role in enacting and overseeing the changes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within existing federal personnel authority under title 5 and introduces no apparent conflicts with constitutional provisions. It focuses on administrative hiring reforms without altering broader civil service protections or creating new legal mandates beyond the specified limits and reporting.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- 2026-02-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-08-19: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-08-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act — issued 2025-08-19 — PDF (3 pages)