The Committee on Oversight and Accountability on Wednesday marked up the MACE Act, a “bipartisan bill aimed at modernizing federal cybersecurity job requirements to foster a more diverse and competitive workforce.” The bill was introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01) and is co-led by Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47).
The MACE Act eliminates degree barriers for federal cybersecurity jobs. By focusing on qualifications directly relevant to job performance, the bill ensures equal opportunities and combats biases in hiring.
With a shortage of over 700,000 cybersecurity professionals nationwide, the MACE Act addresses the pressing need for a stronger cybersecurity workforce. It draws inspiration from effective executive orders under the last administration and upheld by the current one.
“Government employees should be the best in the business, especially when it comes to our nation's cybersecurity,” said Rep. Porter. “Prospective employees who prove their qualifications and competency shouldn't be disqualified from a federal job on the basis of one type of educational credential. I'm proud to partner with Rep. Mace on this bipartisan bill to strengthen our federal workforce and protect our cyber infrastructure.”
The bill further mandates the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to publish annual progress reports on the reform of education-based qualifications and the formal education levels of new hires in cyber-related positions.
“Today, a brilliant computer whiz who drops out of Harvard after a year or two – as Bill Gates did – would stand little chance of securing a federal cybersecurity job,” Rep. Mace said. “We often hear from the other side of the aisle that the federal government should be a ‘model employer’ and the elimination of unnecessary degree barriers ensures the federal government is such an employee.”
