Bills · S 2605
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2605Armed Forces and National Security
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve recruitment and retention of the cyber workforce of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.
INTRO JUL 31· LAST ACTION JUL 31
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because strong national cybersecurity is crucial for protecting the United States from an increasing number of digital attacks by hostile nations and other groups. The Department of Defense needs top-tier cyber professionals to safeguard critical military networks, intelligence, and infrastructure.
Currently, the federal government often struggles to compete with the private sector for these highly specialized individuals due to bureaucratic hiring processes and salary limitations. If this bill passes, it would empower the DoD to attract and retain these experts, which could significantly improve the nation's ability to prevent and respond to cyber threats. If it doesn't pass, the DoD may continue to face difficulties in recruiting and keeping the talent needed to maintain a strong cyber defense, potentially leaving the country more vulnerable in the digital space.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows the Secretary of Defense to create special "excepted service" positions for cyber professionals, which are exempt from standard civil service appointment rules.
This makes the hiring process for critical cyber roles faster and more flexible, enabling the DoD to bypass lengthy traditional government hiring procedures.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to set higher compensation for these cyber positions, including basic pay up to 150% of the highest Executive Schedule Level I and additional benefits.
This enables the DoD to offer more competitive salaries and compensation packages, attracting top cyber talent who might otherwise seek higher pay in the private sector.
PROVISION 03
Establishes specific types of high-level cyber roles, such as the Defense Digital Executive Service and Defense Digital Senior Level positions.
This creates clear career paths and recognizes the specialized nature of senior cyber roles within the Department of Defense.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit an implementation plan to Congress before the new hiring authority takes effect.
This ensures congressional oversight and transparency regarding how the DoD plans to use these new powers and manage its cyber workforce.
PROVISION 05
Guarantees that current competitive service employees, whose positions are designated for conversion to the new system, have the right to refuse that conversion.
This protects the job status and benefits of current federal employees, offering them a choice rather than forcing a change in their employment terms.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· South Dakota
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
63
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 31
Introduced in Senate
JUL 31
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2605
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 31, 2025
Last actionJul 31, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 31, 2025
Senate BillS 2605Armed Forces and National Security
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve recruitment and retention of the cyber workforce of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.
INTRODUCED JUL 31, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 31, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
9 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
