S.Amdt. 6597

SA 6597, submitted by Mr. HUSTED, aims to add a new section to bill S. 4784 regarding the Appointment of Highly Qualified Experts to Bureau of Industry and Security. The purpose is to allow the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security to attract experts in needed occupations to the Bureau.

To achieve this, the amendment adds the following changes:

• Hiring Authority: The Under Secretary can conduct an annual study to find expertise gaps that are hard to fill through the civil service. They may then appoint personnel from outside the civil service, including people with experience in the intelligence community.
• Pay and Limits: The Under Secretary can set basic pay rates (not exceeding the maximum rate for senior-level positions plus locality payments). Total annual compensation cannot exceed the maximum amount payable to the Vice President.
• Employment Terms: Appointments are generally limited to 5 years, with a possible one-year extension if necessary for foreign policy or national security. At any one time, no more than 25 employees can be appointed under this authority.
• Accountability: The Under Secretary must submit reports to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the House Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Foreign Affairs. These reports must detail expertise gaps, steps taken to hire from within the civil service, the number and qualifications of outside hires, their impact, and long-term staffing needs.
• Regulations: The amendment does not waive background investigations, applicant qualifications, or federal ethics and conflict-of-interest laws.
• Duration: This authority ends 5 years after the act is enacted, though existing employees may finish their appointments.