BIS STRENGTH Act

The BIS STRENGTH Act allows the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to hire up to 25 outside experts in critical technology and security fields without following standard civil service hiring rules. These experts can be appointed to positions with pay up to the maximum for senior government roles (capped at Vice President-level compensation) for up to 5 years, extendable by 1 year for national security needs. The bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing hiring gaps, appointments, and impacts on BIS's mission. It includes strict limits on the total number of such hires and mandates continued employment for existing appointees if the program ends.