Bill > HR3561

This bill establishes a National Defense Executive Reserve (NDER) to improve the federal government's preparedness for national defense emergencies by creating a mechanism for private sector professionals with unique expertise to volunteer and be temporarily employed in federal agencies during critical situations. The bill requires the President to establish NDER units within the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Homeland Security, and potentially other agencies, with specific guidelines for activation, training, and management. The Reserve's key purposes include augmenting federal government capabilities during emergencies, providing a cost-efficient way to expand capacity without permanently increasing federal employment, and ensuring proper controls to avoid conflicts of interest. The legislation mandates that the Office of Personnel Management develop comprehensive rules within 270 days, covering aspects such as volunteer recruitment, selection, compensation, training, and interaction with permanent government employees. Additionally, the bill includes employment protections for Reserve participants similar to those provided to Federal Emergency Management Agency intermittent personnel. The bill also includes provisions for improving voluntary agreements related to national defense and requires the President to develop a voluntary agreement addressing a critical national defense issue within 18 months of enactment.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3561/all-info