National Digital Reserve Corps created under Gonzales-sponsored bill

A new National Digital Reserve Corps established under a bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) would be tasked with helping to address the digital and cybersecurity needs of the federal government.

“As we have seen from previous cyberattacks, our government currently lacks the workforce capacity needed to combat ransomware and bad actors,” Rep. Gonzales said on Jan. 11. “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.” 

Rep. Gonzales on Jan. 9 introduced the National Digital Reserve Corps Act, H.R. 162, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) to form the corps, which would be comprised of civilians, known as reservists, who would have relevant skills and credentials to address digital and cyber needs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Gonzales’ staff.  

“This will bring the ingenuity and expertise of the private sector to our federal government to bolster our nation’s cybersecurity defense,” said Rep. Gonzales. 

Reservists would sign up for a three-year period and work 30 days per calendar year for the federal government taking on digital and cybersecurity projects, digital education and training, data triage, acquisition assistance, and development of technical solutions, the summary says. At the same time, reservists could obtain and maintain security clearances, complete certifications, and receive training and education. 

The U.S. General Services Administration would detail reservists to specific federal agencies and the U.S. Department of Labor would be required to issue regulations that ensure their jobs are waiting for them once they finish their annual service, states the summary. 

“As the online landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, our government needs cybersecurity solutions that meet the moment,” Rep. Kelly said. “This bipartisan effort will strengthen the systems that our constituents rely on to make the government work for them.”

H.R. 162 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee.