(1) Applied civics

The term applied civics means an educational program applying service-learning methods to provide students with practical and experiential opportunities to apply their civic knowledge and skills.

(2) Civic education

The term civic education means an educational program that provides participants with knowledge of law, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens and skills that enable participants to participate responsibly in democracy.

(3) Educational service agency and state educational agency

The terms educational service agency and State educational agency have the meanings given those terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

(4) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(5) High-need school

The term high-need school means any public elementary school or secondary school that is located in an area in which the percentage of students from families with incomes below the poverty line is 30 percent or more, as determined by the Secretary.

(6) Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

(7) Local educational agency

The term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801) and includes any tribally sanctioned educational authority as defined in section 3201 of that Act (20 U.S.C. 7011).

(8) School

The term school means—

(9) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.

(10) Service-learning

The term service-learning has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).

(11) State

The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish and administer a Civic Education Fund from which the Secretary makes grants under this section to eligible entities, on a competitive basis, to support the development and evaluation of civic education programs in schools.

(2) Purpose

The purposes of grants awarded from the Civic Education Fund are—

(1) In general

An eligible entity may apply for a grant under this section for the purpose of teacher development in civic education, applied civics, and service-learning in schools. Such grant may only be used—

(2) Grants

(1) In general

An eligible entity may apply for a grant under this section for activities to support effective civic education, applied civics, and service-learning programs in schools. Such grant may only be used—

(2) Grants

(1) Requirements

Except for grants for high-need schools under subsections (c)(2)(A) and (d)(2)(A), the Federal share of the cost of a program that receives a grant under this section, whether the grant is provided directly or as a subgrant from the original recipient of the grant, may not exceed 50 percent of such cost.

(2) Calculation

In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out the program receiving the grant, the recipient—

(3) Waiver

The Secretary may waive in whole or in part the requirements of paragraph (1) with respect to a recipient in any fiscal year if the Secretary determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to a lack of available financial resources at the local level.

(4) Report by recipient on other Federal funds

A recipient of a grant to which this subsection applies shall report to the Secretary the amount and source of any Federal funds used to carry out the program for which the grant is provided, other than funds made available under programs administered by the Secretary, including the amounts and sources of the other Federal funds.

(1)

Information on all programs for which grants were awarded under this section during the preceding 12-month period, including details on the grant recipients, the programs funded by the grants, and the schools involved in the programs funded by the grants.

(2)

An evaluation of the successes of all programs for which grants are awarded under this section, noting in particular the successes of such programs in achieving—

(3)

An assessment of the potential need for additional funding for programs under this section.

(4)

Information regarding each recipient of a grant under this section that uses Federal funds to carry out the program for which the grant is provided, other than funds made available under programs administered by the Secretary.

(1)

procedures for eligible entities to apply for grants under this section;

(2)

the competitive process for the awarding of grants;

(3)

any limitations on the use of funds from grants awarded under this section; and

(4)

reporting requirements by recipients of such grants.

(1)

by striking a public or private elementary school or secondary school,; and

(2)

by striking a consortium of such entities, or a consortium of 2 or more such entities and a for-profit organization and inserting or a consortium of such entities.

(1)

by inserting no less than before 100 hours; and

(2)

by striking educational award of $500 or $750 as described in sections 146(a)(2)(C) and 147(d) and inserting completion award of $500 (or, at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, of $750 in the case of a participant who is economically disadvantaged).

(1)

by inserting in grades 9 through 12 after secondary school students; and

(2)

by striking 70 hours and inserting 150 hours.

(1)

in paragraph (3), by striking Serve America Act and inserting Inspired to Serve Act of 2025; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(4) Matching fund requirement

(A) Requirement

Except for programs that will be undertaken in low-income communities, the Federal share of the cost of a program that receives assistance under subsection (b), whether the assistance is provided directly or as a subgrant from the original recipient of the assistance, may not exceed 50 percent of such cost.

(B) Calculation

In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out a program under this section, the recipient—

(i)

shall provide for such share through payment in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services; and

(ii)

may provide for such share through State sources, local sources, or other Federal sources.

(C) Waiver

The Chief Executive Officer may waive in whole or in part the requirements of this paragraph with respect to a recipient in any fiscal year if the Chief Executive Officer determines that such waiver would be equitable due to a lack of available financial resources at the local level.

(1) State plans

Section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311) is amended—

(2) Local educational agency plans

Section 1112(c)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6312(c)(3)) is amended by striking reading and mathematics and inserting reading, mathematics, and civics.

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(2)

in subsection (d)(3), in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking reading and mathematics and inserting reading, mathematics, and civics.

(1) Applied civics

The term applied civics means an educational program applying service-learning methods to provide students with practical and experiential opportunities to apply their civic knowledge and skills.

(2) Civic education

The term civic education means an educational program that provides participants with knowledge of law, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens and with skills that enable participants to participate responsibly in democracy.

(3) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.

(4) Service-learning

The term service-learning has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).

(5) State

The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(1) In general

To be eligible for an award under subsection (b), a State, school district, school, teacher, student, or group of students shall submit an application or be nominated to the Department of Education at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of Education may require.

(2) Contents

At a minimum, applications or nominations submitted to the Secretary or the committee created under subsection (d) shall include information specifying—

(1) In general

The Librarian of Congress, the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Archivist of the United States shall work jointly to develop and distribute to the public educational materials and teaching resources on civic education and effective citizenship, including by enhancing existing online resources and supporting the distribution of hard copy and digital materials to local libraries, polling locations, and schools, especially in rural areas.

(2) Civic education defined

In this subsection, the term civic education means an educational program that provides participants with knowledge of law, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens and skills that enable participants to participate responsibly in democracy.

(1)

Parents have a critical voice in ensuring their children receive an education that will help them to be engaged and productive members of American society, and members of the teaching profession are crucial to helping them achieve that goal.

(2)

The United States suffers from a lack of consistently effective civic education that imparts knowledge about government, democratic engagement, and the Constitution.

(3)

Recent polling by the Annenberg Public Policy Center revealed that 22 percent of American adults are unable to name any of the three branches of government and 37 percent are unable to name or do not know any of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.

(4)

Every State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States reported a lack of qualified teachers in at least one academic subject during the 2017–2018 school year.

(5)

The Learning Policy Institute reported a teacher shortage of about 64,000 teachers during the 2015–2016 academic year and estimated that, beginning in 2020, 300,000 new teachers will be needed each year.

(6)

Teachers often do not receive full support for classroom activities or for advancing their contributions to the education system through career development.

(7)

A survey by the Department of Education found that 94 percent of public school teachers in the United States paid for their own classroom supplies and materials without reimbursement during the 2014–2015 school year, with the average teacher spending $479 out-of-pocket.

(8)

Eighteen percent of teachers work a second job during the school year, making teachers three times as likely as all workers in the United States to work multiple jobs.

(9)

Teachers in all subjects and at all grade levels play a crucial role in educating youth about service options and the ways youth can engage in their communities.

(10)

The advancement of civic education and the availability of well-trained and effective teachers are essential for the future health of civil society in the United States.

(1)

teachers of all subjects and at all grade levels, including those in public, private, and homeschool settings, are essential in inspiring civic knowledge and engagement in their students;

(2)

public school teachers are dedicated public servants and should be honored and supported in their work to educate youth in the United States;

(3)

teachers are crucial in inspiring their students to contribute to their Nation and communities through all forms of service;

(4)

the profession of teaching is a noble endeavor and one that is vital to the civic education of American youth;

(5)

teachers across the country have sought to raise awareness of a crisis in resource support and adequate compensation for teachers, especially at public schools;

(6)

officials at all levels of government should seek to address these concerns by providing teachers with resource support, adequate compensation, and career development opportunities; and

(7)

more Americans will be called to the teaching profession when government officials at all levels demonstrate value for the essential role of teachers in our society by providing teachers with resource support, adequate compensation, and career development opportunities.

(1) Executive agency

The term Executive agency has the meaning given that term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.

(2) Military service

The term military service means active service (as defined in subsection (d)(3) of section 101 of title 10, United States Code) or active status (as defined in subsection (d)(4) of such section) in one of the uniformed services (as defined in subsection (a)(5) of such section).

(3) National service

(4) Public service

The term public service means civilian employment in the Federal Government or a State, Tribal, or local government.

(5) Service

The term service means a personal commitment of time, energy, and talent to a mission that contributes to the public good by protecting the Nation and its citizens, strengthening communities, or promoting the general social welfare.

(1) In general

There is established in the Executive Office of the President a Council on Military, National, and Public Service (in this section referred to as the Council).

(2) Functions

The Council shall—

(1) Director

The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Assistant to the President for Military, National, and Public Service, who shall serve at the pleasure of the President. The Assistant to the President for Military, National, and Public Service shall serve as the Director of the Council.

(2) Membership

In addition to the Director, the Council shall be composed of—

(3) Meetings

The Council shall meet on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as the Director may direct.

(1)

Assist and advise the President and the heads of Executive agencies in the establishment of policies, goals, objectives, and priorities to promote service and civic responsibility among all Americans.

(2)

Develop and recommend to the President and the heads of Executive agencies policies of common interest to Executive agencies for increasing the participation and propensity of Americans to participate in military, national, and public service in order to address national security and other current and future needs of the Nation.

(3)

Serve as the interagency lead for identifying critical skills to address national security and other needs of the Nation, with responsibility for coordinating Governmentwide efforts to address gaps in critical skills and identifying methods to recruit and retain individuals possessing such critical skills.

(4)

Serve as a forum for Federal officials responsible for military, national, and public service programs to coordinate and develop interagency, cross-service initiatives.

(5)

Lead the effort of the Federal Government to develop joint awareness and recruitment, retention, and marketing initiatives involving military, national, and public service, including the sharing of marketing and recruiting research between and among service agencies.

(6)

Coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of recruitment, retention, marketing, and public outreach initiatives for the Federal civilian service and national service programs, including—

(7)

Consider approaches for assessing impact of service on the needs of the Nation and individuals.

(8)

Consult with such representatives of non-Federal entities, including State, local, and Tribal governments, State and local educational authorities, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector, as the Council considers advisable, in order to promote and develop initiatives to foster and reward military, national, and public service.

(9)

Oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service established under section 553 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328).

(10)

Prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress a Quadrennial Military, National, and Public Service Strategy, with the first such Strategy submitted not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, which shall set forth—

(11)

Prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a Quadrennial Report on Cross-Service Participation on the basis of the activities carried out under section 207, with the first such Report submitted not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(12)

Prepare, for inclusion in the President’s annual budget submission to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a detailed, separate analysis, by budget function, by agency, and by initiative area for the preceding fiscal year, the current fiscal year, and the fiscal years for which the budget is submitted, identifying the amounts of gross and net appropriations or obligational authority and outlays for initiatives consistent with the priorities of the President under the Quadrennial Military, National, and Public Service Strategy, with separate displays for mandatory and discretionary amounts.

(13)

Develop a definition of national service that incorporates domestic and international service and a joint national service messaging strategy that both the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Peace Corps would promote.

(1)

coordinate with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs for any matter that may affect national security;

(2)

at the President’s discretion, serve as spokesperson of the executive branch on issues related to military, national, and public service; and

(3)

upon request, appear before any committee or subcommittee of the House of Representatives and of the Senate to represent the position of the executive branch on matters within the scope of the Council’s responsibilities.

(1) Assistant to the President for Military, National, and Public Service

The Assistant to the President for Military, National, and Public Service shall be compensated at the rate payable for level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.

(2) Staff

The Council may employ such officers and employees as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Staff of the Council shall be compensated at a rate no higher than the rate payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.

(3) Experts and consultants

The Council may employ and fix the compensation of such experts and consultants as may be necessary for carrying out of its functions, in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code.

(4) Advisory committees

The Council may, in carrying out its functions, establish advisory committees composed of representatives from outside the Federal Government.

(5) Authority to accept gifts

The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services, goods, and property, except for cash, from non-Federal entities for the purposes of aiding and facilitating the work of the Council.

(6) Authority to accept voluntary services

Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Council may accept and employ voluntary and uncompensated services in furtherance of the purposes of the Council.

(1) Council on Military, National, and Public Service

The term Council on Military, National, and Public Service means the Council on Military, National, and Public Service established under section 201.

(2) Director

The term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

(3) Executive agency

The term Executive agency has the meaning given that term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.

(4) Member

The term member means an individual who is a member of the Service Platform under this section.

(5) Military department

The term military department has the meaning given that term in section 102 of title 5, United States Code.

(6) Military service

The term military service means active service (as defined in subsection (d)(3) of section 101 of title 10, United States Code) or active status (as defined in subsection (d)(4) of such section) in one of the uniformed services (as defined in subsection (a)(5) of such section).

(7) National service

(8) Public service

The term public service means civilian employment in the Federal Government or a State, Tribal, or local government.

(9) Service

The term service means a personal commitment of time, energy, and talent to a mission that contributes to the public good by protecting the Nation and its citizens, strengthening communities, or promoting the general social welfare.

(10) Service mission

The term service mission means the objectives of a service organization or a service opportunity.

(11) Service opportunity

The term service opportunity means any paid, volunteer, or other position with a service organization.

(12) Service organization

The term service organization means any military service, national service, or public service organization that participates in the Service Platform.

(13) Service platform

The term Service Platform means the interactive and integrated internet-based platform established under this section.

(14) Service type

The term service type means the period and form of service with a service organization, including part-time, full-time, term limited, sabbatical, temporary, episodic, and emergency options for paid, volunteer, and stipend-based service.

(15) State

The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(1) Public accessibility

The Director shall determine, and make accessible by the public, information about service organizations and service opportunities, without any requirement that a person seeking such access become a member of the Service Platform.

(2) Members

Any individual meeting criteria established by the Director by regulation may become a member of the Service Platform. Registering as a member shall entitle the member to access information about service organizations and service opportunities available through the Service Platform.

(3) Procedure for registration of members

An individual seeking to become a member shall provide to the Director such information as the Director may determine is necessary to facilitate the functionality of the Service Platform.

(4) Additional requirements

In addition to the requirements under paragraph (3), each prospective member—

(5) Verification

The Director shall register an individual as a member when the Director verifies that the individual has not previously registered as a member. The Director shall, by written notice (including by electronic communication), notify the member of such registration.

(6) Additional information by members

The Service Platform shall enable members to provide additional information to improve the functionality of the Service Platform, as determined by the Director. Such additional information may include information regarding—

(7) Updates

Each member may update the member’s personal and other information in the Service Platform at any time.

(8) Request regarding military service

The Director shall send to any member who consents under paragraph (4)(D) to voluntarily join the Armed Forces during an emergency requiring national mobilization an annual request to confirm the member’s continued willingness to so serve.

(9) Withdrawal of members

Each member may withdraw as a member by submitting to the Service Platform a request to so withdraw. Within 30 days after the request to withdraw is made, all records regarding that member shall be removed from the Service Platform and any other data storage locations the Service Platform may use, notwithstanding any obligations under the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).

(1) Executive agencies and military departments

All Executive agencies and military departments shall participate in the Service Platform as service organizations.

(2) Non-Federal service organizations

The regulations issued under subsection (i) shall include—

(3) Information on service organizations

Each service organization shall make available on the Service Platform—

(4) Additional platforms not precluded

Nothing in this subsection shall prevent any service organization from creating or maintaining its own internet-based system or platform to recruit individuals for employment or for volunteer or other service opportunities.

(1)

Provide the public with access to information on service organizations and service opportunities through an internet-based system that is user-friendly, interactive, accessible, and fully functional through mobile applications and other widely used communications media, without a requirement that any person seeking such access register as a member.

(2)

Provide individuals with the ability to register as members in order to customize their experience in accordance with subsection (e)(6), include mechanisms to connect members with service organizations and service opportunities that match the interests of the members, and ensure robust search capabilities to facilitate the ability of members to explore service organizations and service opportunities.

(3)

Include mechanisms to enable service organizations to connect with members who have consented to be contacted and meet the needs of the service organizations.

(4)

Incorporate, to the extent permitted by law and regulation, the ability of members to securely upload information on education, employment, and skills from internet-based professional, recruiting, and social media systems, consistent with security requirements.

(5)

Ensure compatibility with relevant information systems of Executive agencies and military departments.

(6)

Use state-of-the-art technology and analytical tools to facilitate the efficacy of the Service Platform in connecting members with service opportunities and service organizations.

(7)

Retain all personal information in a manner that protects the privacy of members in accordance with section 552a of title 5, United States Code, and other applicable law, provide access to information relating to a member only in accordance with the consent of the member, and incorporate data security and control policies that are adequate to ensure the confidentiality and security of information provided and maintained on the Service Platform.

(1) Implementation plan

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a detailed plan to implement the Service Platform that complies with all the requirements of this section.

(2) Consultation required

In developing the plan under this subsection, the Director shall consult with the Secretary of Defense, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the head of the United States Digital Service and, as needed, the heads of other Executive agencies. Such consultation may include seeking assistance in the design, development, and creation of the Service Platform.

(3) Technical advice permitted

In developing the plan under this subsection, the Director may seek and receive technical advice from experts outside of the Federal Government and to form a committee of such experts to assist in the design and development of the Service Platform. Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Director may accept the voluntary services of these individuals. A committee of the experts shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).

(4) Information collection authorized

In developing the plan under this subsection, the Director may collect information from the public through focus groups, surveys, and other mechanisms, without regard to subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act).

(1)

Details on the status of implementation of the Service Platform and plans for further development of the Service Platform.

(2)

Participation rates of service organizations and members.

(3)

The number of individuals visiting the Service Platform, the number of service organizations participating in the platform, and the number of service opportunities available in the preceding 12-month period.

(4)

Any cybersecurity or privacy concerns.

(5)

The results of any surveys or studies undertaken to increase the use and efficacy of the Service Platform.

(6)

Any additional information the Director or the President considers appropriate.

(1) Council on military, national, and public service

The term Council on Military, National, and Public Service means the Council on Military, National, and Public Service established under section 201.

(2) Military service

The term military service means active service (as defined in subsection (d)(3) of section 101 of title 10, United States Code) or active status (as defined in subsection (d)(4) of such section) in one of the Armed Forces (as defined in subsection (a)(4) of such section).

(3) National service

(4) Public service

The term public service means civilian employment in the Federal Government or a State, Tribal, or local government.

(1) In general

Section 1144 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(2) Clerical amendment

The heading of section 1144 of such title is amended to read as follows:

1144. Employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services: Department of Labor and the Corporation for National and Community Service

(1)

in paragraph (24), by striking and at the end;

(2)

in paragraph (25), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(26)

ensure that individuals completing a partial or full national service term receive information about military and public service opportunities for which they may qualify or in which they may be interested.

(1)

The number of Peace Corps volunteers and participants in national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service who previously served as a member of the Armed Forces.

(2)

The number of members of the Armed Forces who previously served in the Peace Corps or in a program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

(3)

An assessment of existing joint recruitment and advertising initiatives undertaken by the Department of Defense, the Peace Corps, or the Corporation for National and Community Service.

(4)

An assessment of the feasibility and cost of expanding such existing initiatives.

(5)

An assessment of ways to improve the ability of the reporting agencies to recruit individuals from the other reporting agencies.

(1)

consult with each other with respect to the content and production of the reports submitted under this section; and

(2)

undertake studies of recruiting efforts that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(a) Plan for personnel management

The Secretary of each military department shall develop a plan to implement a new personnel management structure in such military department for the purpose of recruiting and retaining personnel for specific military occupational specialties requiring skills that are critical to meet current and future military requirements, including specialties involving science, technology, cybersecurity, and engineering.

(b) Plan requirements

Each plan under subsection (a) shall—

(c) Submittal to Congress

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of each military department shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the plan developed by such Secretary under this section.

(a) Pre-Service tuition grants authorized

The Secretary of each military department may provide a grant, for a period of not more than 3 years, to pay all or a portion of the charges of an educational institution for the tuition of an individual who is enrolled in such educational institution for a technical degree, certificate, or certification program to meet a critical need in such military department, and who makes a commitment to service in an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of such Secretary. Each Secretary shall create a list of degrees, certificates, and certifications that qualify for grants under this section and shall update that list at least once every 5 years.

(b) Requirements for receipt of grant

The Secretary of a military department may not provide grant funds under subsection (a) to an individual unless the individual signs an enlistment contract for military service upon completion of the educational program for which the funds were provided, for such period as is determined by the Secretary. Upon signing such enlistment contract, the individual shall be placed in the Delayed Entry Program of the Armed Force concerned. If, at the time the individual is expected to begin military training, the individual no longer qualifies for service or is otherwise unable or unwilling to serve, the individual shall, subject to subsection (c), repay the funds received, or serve a period equal to the military service commitment in a federally sponsored national service program.

(c) Waiver

The Secretary of a military department may reduce or waive the service obligation of an individual under this section in exigent circumstances, as determined by the Secretary.

(d) Relation to other personnel authorities

A grant under subsection (a) may be provided—

(e) Notice and wait requirement

The Secretary of a military department may not provide a grant under subsection (a) until—

(f) Limitation on number of incentives

The Secretary of a military department may not provide to an individual more than 2 incentives described in subsection (d)(2) to encourage the individual to enlist in an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, in addition to a grant under subsection (a).

(g) Limitation on number of individuals receiving tuition grants

The number of individuals who receive a grant under subsection (a) from the Secretary of a military department during a fiscal year for an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary may not exceed 20 percent of the number of enlistments for that fiscal year that is the objective of that Armed Force.

(h) Reports to Congress

If the Secretary of a military department provides a grant under subsection (a) during a fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report, not later than 60 days after the end of that fiscal year, containing—

(i) Federally sponsored national service programs

A federally sponsored national service program referred to in subsection (b) includes the programs authorized in—

(j) Regulations

The Secretary of each military department shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(k) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Pilot program

The Secretary of Defense shall carry out, through the Secretary of one of the military departments, a pilot program, for a period of not more than 2 years, to assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing partnerships with community colleges and vocational schools to create technical education programs through which members of the Armed Forces may earn professional credentials in areas of critical need in the Armed Forces. The pilot program shall be comprised of such partnerships with up to 3 community colleges and vocational schools. The educational programs created through the pilot program shall be open to participation by members of the Armed Forces (including recruits) and any other students at the selected community colleges and vocational schools.

(b) Costs

The military department selected under subsection (a) shall bear at least 50 percent of the costs of the pilot program authorized under such subsection, and the community colleges and vocational schools in the pilot program shall bear the remaining costs, including providing the staff and facilities for the pilot program.

(c) Reports

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Plan To increase number of JROTC units

The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, develop and implement a plan to establish and support not fewer than 6,000 units of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps by September 30, 2034.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(1)

in subsection (g), by inserting and not later than March 1, 2026, after September 30, 2021,

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(i) Authorization of appropriations

In addition to funds otherwise available to carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense such sums as may be necessary to prepare the reports under subsection (g) and to expand the Cyber Institutes program under this section after September 30, 2025.

(a) In general

Section 198B of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12653b) is amended to read as follows:

198B. National service fellowships

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Area of national need

The term area of national need means targeted efforts to—

(A)

improve education in schools for economically disadvantaged students;

(B)

expand and improve access to health care;

(C)

improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources;

(D)

improve economic opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals;

(E)

improve disaster preparedness and response; or

(F)

support the reintegration of ex-offenders.

(2) Disadvantaged youth

The term disadvantaged youth has the meaning given that term in section 101(13).

(3) Eligible fellowship applicant

The term eligible fellowship applicant means an individual who is selected by the Corporation through a randomized lottery and, as a result of such selection, is eligible for a national service fellowship.

(4) Fellow

The term fellow means an eligible fellowship applicant who is awarded a national service fellowship and is designated a fellow under subsection (e)(2).

(5) State

The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(b) Fellowship awards and positions

(1) In general

From the amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Corporation shall award national service fellowships in accordance with this section.

(2) Allotment of positions

(A) Allotment by congressional district

The Corporation shall allot 80 percent of the eligible fellowship positions supported under this section in a fiscal year on a formula basis to be distributed evenly among the congressional districts in each of the States, to include districts of nonvoting delegates to the Congress, in accordance with the selection process described in subsection (c)(1). The Corporation shall, to the extent practicable, reserve a percentage of eligible fellowship positions approximately equal to the percentage of disadvantaged youth residing in that district. In any district in which one or more Indian tribes are located, a portion of the positions shall be reserved for applicants who are members of any such Indian tribe.

(B) Allotment to specific organizations

The Corporation shall allot 20 percent of the eligible fellowship positions supported under this section in a fiscal year to service sponsor organizations, regardless of congressional district, that have targeted service strategies for utilizing fellows, in accordance with the selection processes described in subsections (c)(2) and (f)(2). The Corporation shall, to the extent practicable, reserve a percentage of eligible fellowship positions approximately equal to the nationwide percentage of disadvantaged youth.

(3) Number of positions

The Corporation shall—

(A)

establish the number of approved positions under this section at 25,000 for the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of the Inspired to Serve Act of 2025; and

(B)

increase the number of such approved positions by 25,000 for each fiscal year thereafter until the number of approved positions is at least 250,000.

(c) Selection by lottery

(1) In congressional districts

For positions described in subsection (b)(2)(A), the Corporation shall select, from the applications received under this section, the number of eligible fellowship applicants that may be supported for that fiscal year based on the amount of funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out this section. Such selection shall be done by randomized lottery for all applicants, except that—

(A)

for those positions reserved for disadvantaged youth applicants under such subsection, selection shall be done by randomized lottery for disadvantaged youth applicants; and

(B)

for those positions reserved for Indian tribal applicants under such subsection, selection shall be done by randomized lottery for Indian tribal applicants.

(2) Other positions

For positions described in subsection (b)(2)(B), the Corporation shall select, from the applications received, the number of eligible fellowship applicants that may be supported for that fiscal year based on the amount of funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out this section. Such selection shall be done by randomized lottery for all applicants, except that for those positions reserved for disadvantaged youth applicants under such subsection, selection shall be done by randomized lottery for disadvantaged youth applicants.

(3) Regulations

In the regulations issued to carry out this section, the Corporation shall—

(A)

establish the randomized lottery system for positions described in subsection (b)(2)(A) and (b)(2)(B);

(B)

establish preference for those individuals who have not previously been an eligible fellowship applicant or a fellow; and

(C)

create a waitlist for eligible fellowship applicants if any individual selected as such an applicant does not become a fellow.

(d) Eligible fellowship applicants

(1) In general

An applicant desiring to become an eligible fellowship applicant shall submit an application to the Corporation at such time and in such manner as the Corporation may require and containing information on the applicant’s age, educational status, disadvantaged youth status, Indian tribal status, and contact information, and stating whether the applicant elects to be considered for placement in a position in a congressional district under subsection (b)(2)(A) or in a position described in subsection (b)(2)(B). Each applicant may apply for only one national service fellowship for any fiscal year.

(2) Age and education

An applicant may be selected as an eligible fellowship applicant only if the applicant—

(A)

is not less than age 18 and not more than age 25 on the date on which the application is made; and

(B)

holds a high school diploma or recognized equivalent or will be working towards such diploma or recognized equivalent during the applicant’s term of service as a fellow.

(e) Fellows

(1) In general

An eligible fellowship applicant is eligible to participate in a service project as a fellow and receive a national service fellowship if—

(A)

within 3 months after being selected as an eligible fellowship applicant, the applicant selects a registered service sponsor organization described in subsection (f)—

(i)

with which the applicant is interested in serving under this section; and

(ii)

with which the applicant would serve in a position that is located in the congressional district in which the fellow resides or a district adjoining the district in which the fellow resides, for a position allotted under subsection (b)(2)(A), or would serve in a position allotted under subsection (b)(2)(B);

(B)

enters into an agreement with the organization—

(i)

that specifies the service the applicant will provide if the placement is approved; and

(ii)

in which the applicant agrees to serve for at least 1,700 hours during the applicant’s fellowship year, including training, high school equivalency coursework, and special fellow events, except that the Chief Executive Officer may, on a case-by-case basis, authorize a fellow to serve on a part-time basis for a lesser number of hours; and

(C)

submits such agreement to the Corporation.

(2) Designation

Upon receiving the eligible fellowship applicant's agreement under paragraph (1), the Corporation shall award a national service fellowship to the applicant and designate the applicant as a fellow.

(3) Fellowship amount

(A) In general

The Corporation shall award to each fellow a stipend equal to the living allowance under section 199K.

(B) Proration of amount

In the case of a fellow who is authorized to serve on a part-time basis under paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the amount provided to a fellow under this paragraph shall be prorated accordingly.

(4) Educational awards

A fellow who serves in a service project under this section shall be considered to have served in an approved national service position and, upon meeting the requirements of section 147 for full-time or part-time national service, shall be eligible for an educational award described in such section or the alternative discounted end-of-service cash stipend described in section 332 of the Inspired to Serve Act of 2025. The Corporation shall transfer an appropriate amount of funds to the National Service Trust to provide for the educational award for such fellow.

(f) Service sponsor organizations

(1) In general

An organization is eligible to be a service sponsor organization if the organization—

(A)

is a nonprofit organization, a local government agency, a State government agency, or an agency of an Indian tribe;

(B)

satisfies qualification criteria established by the Corporation, including standards relating to organizational capacity, financial management, and programmatic oversight; and

(C)

at the time of registration with a State Commission, enters into an agreement with the State Commission providing that the service sponsor organization shall—

(i)

abide by all program requirements;

(ii)

be responsible for certifying the number of hours served by each fellow and whether each fellow serving with the organization successfully completes the national service fellowship;

(iii)

provide supervision, supplies, and training for fellows, including a quarterly performance review;

(iv)

provide educational resources, funding for coursework, and other necessary resources to support fellows working towards their high school equivalency degrees; and

(v)

provide, to the State Commission, the Corporation, and the Inspector General of the Corporation, timely access to records relating to the national service fellowships.

(2) Eligibility as a specific organization

An organization is eligible to be considered for an allotment of positions under subsection (b)(2)(B) if the organization—

(A)

satisfies the requirements of this subsection;

(B)

submits an application to the Corporation that includes a detailed description of the area of national need that fellows will address with the organization, along with other requirements that the Corporation may establish; and

(C)

is selected by the Corporation in accordance with a selection process established by the Corporation.

(3) Additional assistance

Each service sponsor organization may provide additional benefits to fellows, including additional funding.

(4) Registration

(A) Requirement

A service sponsor organization may not receive a fellow under this section until the organization registers with the State Commission of any State in which a fellow will be serving with the organization.

(B) Clearinghouse

Each State Commission shall maintain on a public website a list of service sponsor organizations registered with that State Commission.

(5) Noncompliance

If the Corporation determines that a service sponsor organization is in violation of any of the applicable provisions of this subsection, or a State Commission determines that a service sponsor organization is in violation of any requirement for registration under paragraph (4)—

(A)

the State Commission shall revoke the registration of the organization;

(B)

the organization shall not be eligible to receive assistance, approved national service fellows, or approved summer of service positions under this title for a period of not less than 5 years; and

(C)

the Corporation shall have the right to remove a fellow from the organization and relocate the fellow to another site.

(g) Grants for ancillary services

(1) In general

The Corporation may award grants to service sponsor organizations to offset the costs of providing ancillary services in support of fellows serving with those service sponsor organizations, including costs for—

(A)

attending the convention described in subsection (j);

(B)

courses and exams necessary to obtain a high school diploma or recognized equivalent;

(C)

recruitment or training activities for fellows; and

(D)

other activities approved by the Corporation.

(2) Applications

To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a service sponsor organization shall submit an application to the Corporation at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Corporation may require.

(h) Coordination within congressional district

Service sponsor organizations shall coordinate with other service sponsor organizations on training and events beneficial to fellows serving within the same congressional district and ensure that the offices of Members of Congress in those districts are kept apprised of such coordination.

(i) Branded attire

The Corporation may provide fellows with branded attire to wear where appropriate.

(j) Yearly convention

The Corporation may sponsor a yearly convention to convene a geographically diverse group of fellows in a central location to provide the fellows with the opportunity to share experiences and to provide the fellows with information on opportunities to continue in national, public, or military service after their fellowships end.

(k) Compliance with ineligible service categories

Service under a national service fellowship shall comply with section 132(a). For purposes of applying that section to this subsection, a reference to assistance shall be considered to be a reference to assistance provided under this section.

(l) Public service integration

The Chief Executive Officer shall consult with the Council on Military, National, and Public Service established under section 201 of the Inspired to Serve Act of 2025 regarding opportunities to place fellows in public service positions at the State, local, and tribal levels.

(m) Surveys of fellows

The Corporation may survey fellows about their experiences as fellows, and shall make data acquired from any such survey publicly available.

(n) Regulations

The Corporation shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(o) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(b) Conforming amendments

(a) YouthBuild program

(b) Youth conservation corps

(c) Youth challenge program

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) In general

The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service shall carry out a public awareness campaign to educate individuals likely to provide the greatest influence on youth, including parents, grandparents, teachers, guidance counselors, clergy, and coaches, on opportunities for youth to engage in national service, the impacts of national service, and ways to encourage youth to provide such service. Funds made available to carry out this subsection may be used to identify best practices, carry out national outreach and education campaigns, produce and make available materials for schools and students from kindergarten through grade 12, facilitate access to national service information and opportunities, and advertise national service programs nationwide.

(b) Report required

Not later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year in which funds are made available to carry out the public awareness campaign under subsection (a), the Chief Executive Officer shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives, a report describing the scope and effectiveness of the public awareness campaign under this section.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the campaign under subsection (a), including for salaries and expenses related to such campaign.

(a) Definitions

(b) Priority pilots

The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service may conduct, during the 3-year period beginning on October 1, 2024, up to 5 demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of novel approaches to and focus areas of national service, with at least one demonstration project focused on developing a place-based model and at least one demonstration project supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the demonstration projects under subsection (b), including for salaries and expenses related to such projects.

(a) Annual increases to living allowances for national service participants

Section 140(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12594(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(7) Increases

The Chief Executive Officer shall review the amounts of living allowances under this subsection on an annual basis and, subject to paragraph (2), make increases as necessary to reflect changes in inflation, cost of living, and the geographical areas in which the national service programs are carried out.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to provide increases in living allowances under section 140(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12594(a)), such sums as may be necessary to increase the allowances above the levels provided on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.

(a) Grants and contracts for individual service projects

Section 211(d) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5011(d)) is amended by striking $3.00 per hour and inserting 60 percent of the Federal minimum wage under section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206).

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to provide increases in allowances and stipends under section 211(d) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5011(d)), such sums as may be necessary to increase the allowances and stipends above the levels provided on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.

(a) Wraparound support services for national service participants

(b) Wraparound support services for VISTA participants

Section 105(b) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4955(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(4)

(A)

In addition to the stipend and other assistance provided under this section, and subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this paragraph, the Director shall provide support services under this paragraph (in this paragraph referred to as wraparound support services) for volunteers who—

(i)

are disadvantaged youth of ages 17 through 26;

(ii)

are located in Indian lands; or

(iii)

are located in rural communities.

(B)

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall establish guidelines regarding the circumstances under which wraparound support services shall be made available to volunteers under subparagraph (A), and the types of wraparound support services that shall be made so available. Wraparound support services may include career counseling, transportation assistance, training and certification programs, and mental health assistance. In developing such guidelines, the Corporation shall consider the availability of funds and the cost-per-volunteer to support such volunteers.

(C)

In this paragraph, the terms disadvantaged youth and Indian lands have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).

(c) Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service shall submit a report to Congress on the use of funds made available to provide wraparound support services under the amendments made by this section.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Corporation for National and Community Service such sums as may be necessary to provide wraparound support services under section 140(g) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12594(g)) and section 105(b)(4) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4955(b)(4)).

(a) Determination of educational award amount

Section 147(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)) is amended by striking having a value equal to and all that follows through mandatory appropriations), and inserting equal to the average cost of 1 year of in-State tuition at a public institution of higher education that awards bachelor's degrees, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer,.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to provide increases in national service educational awards under section 147(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)), such sums as may be necessary to increase the awards above the level provided on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.

(a) Disbursement of educational awards

Section 148(a)(4) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12604(a)(4)) is amended by inserting after Secretary of Veterans Affairs the following: , regardless of whether the individual is a veteran as defined under section 101.

(b) Treatment of certain provisions of law

Any individual who receives an educational award under section 146 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12602) may use the award for expenses described in section 148(a)(4) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 12604(a)(4)), as a result of the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section, notwithstanding the provisions of any appropriations Act that does not specifically reference this section and that would not permit such use by the individual.

(a) Stipend; limitation; payment upon completion of term

(b) National service educational awards

Section 141(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12595(a)) is amended—

(c) Authorized benefits for corps members

Section 158(f) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12618(f)) is amended—

(a) In general

Paragraph (2) of section 117(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—

(b) Exclusion of discharge of student loan debt

Subsection (f) of section 108 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(6) Payments under national service educational award programs

In the case of an individual, gross income shall not include any amount received under a national service educational award under subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.).

(c) Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(a) Disbursement of educational awards

Section 148(f) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12604) is amended—

(b) Individuals eligible To receive an educational award from the trust

Section 146(d)(3) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12602(d)(3)) is amended by striking a 10-year period and all that follows through basis of the award and inserting a 7-year period that begins on the date on which the designated individual who received the transferred educational award becomes 18 years of age.

(a) Noncompetitive eligibility for Americorps alumni

(b) Noncompetitive eligibility for returned Peace Corps volunteers and volunteer leaders

Section 5 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(q)

(1)

Volunteers and volunteer leaders who have satisfactorily completed not fewer than 2 years of service under this Act (as determined under paragraph (2)) shall be eligible for noncompetitive appointment in a position in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code) for a period of 3 years beginning on the day after the date on which such service ends.

(2)

The Director shall determine if a volunteer or volunteer leader has satisfactorily completed service under this Act for the purpose of paragraph (1) in accordance with sections 1, 2, 3, and 5 of Executive Order 11103 (22 U.S.C. 2504 note, relating to Providing for the Appointment of Former Peace Corps Volunteers to the Civilian Career Services), as amended by Executive Order 12107 (44 Fed. Reg. 1055; relating to the Civil Service Commission and Labor-Management in the Federal Service).

(c) Applicability

The amendments made by this section shall apply to any individual—

(a) Creditable service

Section 8411(h) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting as a National Civilian Community Corps member or leader under subtitle E of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12611 et seq.), as a member of a program under title I of the Act entitled An Act to establish a pilot program in the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture designated as the Youth Conservation Corps, and for other purposes, approved August 13, 1970 (commonly known as the Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1970; 16 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) or the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.), after Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973,.

(b) Contributions for creditable service

Section 8422(f)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—

(a) Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects

Section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001) is amended—

(b) Multiyear grants or contracts

Section 227(a) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5027(a)) is amended—

(c) Notice and hearing procedures for suspension and termination of financial assistance

Section 412(a) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5052) is amended—

(a) Authorization of activity

Subchapter I of chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

307. Enhanced awareness of the value of Federal public service

(a) In general

Subject to guidance that the Comptroller General of the United States shall issue, any Executive agency or military department may use appropriated funds to educate and inform the public about the role of Federal employees, the value of Federal employment, and the mission of the agency or department.

(b) Rule of construction

The use of funds pursuant to the guidance issued by the Comptroller General of the United States under subsection (a) may not be construed as self-aggrandizement, publicity, or propaganda that is otherwise prohibited under any other provision of law that is enacted before, on, or after the date of enactment of this section.

(b) Conforming amendment

The table of sections for chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 306 the following:

(c) Guidance

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall issue the guidance required under section 307(a) of title 5, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section.

(d) Effective date

Except as provided in subsection (c), section 307 of title 5, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, and the amendment made by subsection (b) of this section, shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Authority To determine eligibility

The Director shall determine whether an individual is preference eligible, or whether an individual is eligible for appointment to a position in an Executive agency, under any of the following authorities:

(c) Coordination

The Director shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Director of the Peace Corps, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service in developing the process for making determinations under subsection (b).

(d) Regulations

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall issue regulations setting forth the manner in which applicants for employment in Executive agencies may access determinations made under subsection (b) and the procedures to appeal those determinations.

(e) Preparation of certificates of eligibility

(f) Other remedies available to preference eligibles not affected

Nothing in this section may be construed to limit the right of a preference eligible to seek administrative or judicial redress under section 3330a or 3330b of title 5, United States Code, respectively.

(a) Exception to preference eligibility

Section 2108 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

(4)

except for the purposes of chapters 43 and 75 of this title, preference eligible does not include—

(A)

a retired member of the Armed Forces unless—

(i)

the individual is a disabled veteran; or

(ii)

the individual retired below the rank of major or its equivalent;

(B)

a veteran who has been discharged or released from active duty for more than 10 years, as of the date on which the individual would be appointed; or

(C)

a veteran who is an employee who has been in the competitive service for more than two years, as of the date on which the individual would be appointed; and

(b) Veterans’ preference as a tiebreaker among equally qualified candidates

(c) Veterans recruitment appointment improvements

(a) Definition

In this section, the term competitive service has the meaning given the term in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code.

(b) Regulations

Under such regulations as the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall issue, an Executive agency may noncompetitively appoint, for other than temporary employment, to a position in the competitive service any individual who—

(c) Limitation on authority

An individual may not be appointed to a position under subsection (b) more than once.

(d) Designation of high-Performing employees

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall, in the regulations issued under subsection (b), set forth the criteria for certifying an individual as a high-performing employee in a former position, which shall be based on—

(a) Temporary and term appointments

Subchapter I of chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

3117. Temporary and term appointments

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Director

The term Director means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.

(2) Temporary appointment

The term temporary appointment means an appointment in the competitive service for a period of not more than 1 year.

(3) Term appointment

The term term appointment means an appointment in the competitive service for a period of more than 1 year and not more than 5 years.

(b) Appointment

(1) In general

The head of an Executive agency may make a temporary appointment or term appointment to a position in the competitive service when the need for the services of an employee in the position is not permanent.

(2) Extension

Under conditions prescribed by the Director, the head of an Executive agency may—

(A)

extend a temporary appointment made under paragraph (1) in increments of not more than 1 year each, up to a maximum of 3 total years of service; and

(B)

extend a term appointment made under paragraph (1) in increments determined appropriate by the head of the agency, up to a maximum of 6 total years of service.

(c) Appointments for critical hiring needs

(1) In general

Under conditions prescribed by the Director, the head of an Executive agency may make a noncompetitive temporary appointment, or a noncompetitive term appointment for a period of not more than 18 months, to a position in the competitive service for which a critical hiring need exists, as determined under section 3304, without regard to the requirements of sections 3327 and 3330.

(2) No extensions

An appointment made under paragraph (1) may not be extended.

(d) Regulations

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(2) Application

Any regulations prescribed by the Director for the administration of this section shall not apply to the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of the authorities granted under section 1105 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2447).

(e) Special provision regarding the Department of Defense

Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary of Defense from making temporary and term appointments in the competitive service pursuant to section 1105 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2447).

(f) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the authorities granted under section 3109.

(b) Conforming amendment

The table of sections for chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3116 the following:

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Plan authorized

The Director shall establish and administer a cafeteria plan through which an employee of an Executive agency may select certain benefits from a menu of options, including cash, life insurance, disability-income insurance, flexible spending arrangements for health care, flexible spending arrangements for dependent care, a health savings account, enhanced dental benefits, and enhanced vision benefits.

(c) Contribution

(d) Contracting authority

The Director—

(e) No effect on eligibility for other benefits

Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the eligibility for insurance and other benefits under subpart G of part III of title 5, United States Code.

(f) Regulations

The Director shall, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, propose for public notice and comment regulations to implement the plan authorized by this section, including regulations for a disability-income insurance program for Federal employees.

(g) Statutory proposals

The Director shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to Congress recommendations for legislative proposals that should be made to chapter 87 of title 5, United States Code, that are necessary for the establishment of the cafeteria plan under this section.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Pilot program authorized

(c) Election of benefits package by employees

(d) Program details

The Director shall ensure that the benefits package authorized under this section is of equivalent value to the benefits package otherwise applicable to employees in the civil service in the applicable Executive agencies and offers the following:

(e) Reports

Not later than 6 years after the date on which the pilot program under this section is established, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General of the United States shall each submit to the Director and to Congress a report on the pilot program that includes—

(f) Additional report

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program under this section is established, the Director shall contract with the National Academy of Public Administration—

(g) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the Director to carry out this section.

(a) Limitation on demonstration projects

Section 4703(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking demonstration project shall and all that follows through 5-year period and inserting demonstration period shall terminate before the end of the 10-year period.

(b) Evaluation of demonstration projects

Section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:

(h)

(1)

The Comptroller General of the United States and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, every 5 years, each evaluate any demonstration project conducted under this section for the impacts of such demonstration project on improving public management, which shall, at a minimum, evaluate the following:

(A)

The effectiveness of the demonstration project in achieving the purpose identified in the project plan.

(B)

Significant impacts on any other matters important to attracting and maintaining a highly qualified workforce.

(C)

The cost-effectiveness of the demonstration project.

(D)

Whether the Director of the Office of Personnel Management should continue, cease, or adjust the demonstration project.

(E)

Whether the Director of the Office of Personnel Management should make the demonstration project permanent.

(2)

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall, every 5 years, contract with the National Academy of Public Administration—

(A)

to conduct a study to evaluate any demonstration project conducted under this section for the impacts of such demonstration project on improving public management, including an evaluation of the items contained in paragraph (1); and

(B)

to submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management a report on the results of each such study.

(3)

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may promulgate regulations to make a demonstration project permanent, without requesting separate statutory approval therefor, if at least one of the two officers evaluating the demonstration project under paragraph (1) recommends in such evaluation that the demonstration project be expanded Governmentwide. In exercising the authority under this paragraph, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management may consider the reports made under paragraph (2).

(a) Adoption of skills-Based assessment technology

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall support the distribution to, and use by, Executive agencies in their hiring processes of advanced skills-based assessment technology that the Director of the Office of Personnel Management has validated as effective for the recruitment, qualification, and assessment of candidates. The Office of Personnel Management shall not charge an Executive agency for the use of advanced skills-based assessment technology that the Office has developed or procured under this subsection.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section, including for entering into licensing arrangements, purchasing technology, providing training, and incurring other expenses related to the use and distribution to Executive agencies of the technology described in subsection (a).

(a) Reports required

Not later than December 31, 2029, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General shall each submit to Congress a report evaluating changes to laws, regulations, and policies governing the Federal civil service personnel system that address or reflect recommendations contained in the final report of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service required under section 555(e)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2136) (in this section referred to as the Commission Report).

(b) Additional report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall contract with the National Academy of Public Administration—

(c) Elements

Each report under subsections (a) and (b) shall include the following:

(d) Definition

In this section, the term civil service has the meaning given that term in section 2101 of title 5, United States Code.

(a) Reports required

Not later than December 31, 2034, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General shall each submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report setting forth detailed proposals for a modern talent-management system to replace existing civil service personnel systems.

(b) Additional report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall contract with the National Academy of Public Administration—

(c) Elements

Each report under subsections (a) and (b) shall include the following:

(d) Definition

In this section, the term civil service has the meaning given that term in section 2101 of title 5, United States Code.

(1)

in paragraph (1)—

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraph (1)(A).

(a) Findings

Congress finds the following:

(b) Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that—

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Establishment of Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Center

The Director shall establish and maintain a Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Center to administer, manage, and promote all fellowship and scholarship programs in order to attract individuals to serve in the Federal Government in a civilian capacity and facilitate the entry of those individuals into the civil service.

(c) Management of Center

(d) Functions of the Center

The Center shall—

(e) Virtual student Federal service

(f) Responsibilities and authorities of sponsoring agencies

The head of a sponsoring agency—

(g) Reports to Congress

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Executive Director shall submit to Congress a report on the establishment of the Center, including—

(h) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Establishment

The Director shall establish within the Center a Public Service Corps Program.

(c) Selection of Public Service Corps hosts

(d) Selection of Public Service Corps members

(e) Requirements for Public Service Corps members

(f) Responsibilities and authorities of sponsoring agencies

(g) Public service employment

(h) Failure To complete scholarship requirements

(i) Regulations

The Director and the Executive Director shall jointly issue any regulations necessary to carry out this section.

(j) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Program authorized

The Secretary shall establish and administer a program to issue grants to not more than 50 institutions of higher education, on a competitive basis, to support the development of public service academies—

(c) Grant application

An institution of higher education seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include—

(d) Selection by competitive process

(e) Duration and amount of Federal grants

(f) Permissible uses

An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section may use funds from the grant—

(g) Annual grantee report

A recipient of a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a comprehensive report on the public service academy supported by the grant and the use of the grant funds to support the academy. The Secretary shall provide guidance on what information shall be included in the report.

(h) Congressional reports

The Secretary shall—

(i) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Plan for public service cadet program

The Superintendent of each military service academy, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall develop a plan to create a program for the instruction of and preparation for public service of certain cadets at such service academy, in accordance with subsection (b).

(b) Elements of plan

The plan described in subsection (a) shall—

(c) Submittal to Congress

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Superintendent of each military service academy shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the plan developed by such Superintendent under this section.

(a) Federal agency interns

Section 3111 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Legislative branch interns

Part 3 of title IV of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (2 U.S.C. 4101) is amended by adding at the end the following:

432. Interns in the legislative branch

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Intern

The term intern means, with respect to a legislative branch office, an individual who serves in the legislative branch office for not more than 120 days in a 12-month period and whose service is primarily for the educational experience of the individual.

(2) Legislative branch office

The term legislative branch office means each of the following:

(A)

An employing office, as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301).

(B)

The Government Accountability Office.

(C)

The Government Publishing Office.

(b) In general

The head of each legislative branch office shall pay an intern who serves in the legislative branch office not less than the minimum wage rate established under section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206), unless—

(1)

the intern is a student who is participating in a program established by the institution at which the intern is enrolled; and

(2)

the institution provides academic credit to the student for the voluntary service of the intern.

(3) Benefit exclusion

Interns compensated under this subsection shall be excluded from the operation of the following provisions of title 5, United States Code:

(A)

Chapter 84 (relating to the Federal Employees Retirement System).

(B)

Chapter 87 (relating to life insurance).

(C)

Chapter 89 (relating to health insurance).

(c) Senate allowance

There is established for the Senate an allowance which shall be available for the compensation of interns who serve in the offices of Senators during a calendar year.

(c) Federal judiciary interns

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Establishment

(c) Regulations

The Director shall issue regulations for the Pathways Program, which shall include—

(d) Internship Program

(e) Recent Graduates Program

(f) Appointment and conversion

The following requirements shall apply to an appointment in the Pathways Program:

(g) Definition of Federal internship program

Section 3111a(c)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—

(a) Recent graduate hiring authority

Section 3115(e) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Post-Secondary student hiring authority

Section 3116 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—

(a) Targets

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall ensure that the aggregate number of applicants hired into term or permanent positions in the competitive service at Federal agencies under section 366 of this Act (relating to the Pathways Program), section 1106 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 1580; Public Law 114–238), and sections 3115 and 3116 of title 5, United States Code (as amended by section 367 of this Act)—

(b) Pro rata share determination

The Director shall determine the pro rata share, for each fiscal year, of the obligation of each Federal agency to meet the targets under subsection (a), based on the number of positions in the competitive service at the agency as compared with the total number of positions in the competitive service across all agencies.

(c) Shortfall determination

Each fiscal year, the Director shall determine the progress of each Federal agency in achieving the targets under subsection (a) by subtracting the number of applicants hired into term or permanent positions in the competitive service at the agency during the preceding fiscal year under the provisions of law set forth in subsection (a) from the pro rata share of the agency determined under subsection (b).

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Demonstration project

(c) Report to Congress

Not later than 60 days after the date on which the demonstration project under this section terminates, the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the project, including the assessment and determination of the Director under subsection (b)(1).

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the demonstration project under this section.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Appointment in competitive service

The head of any Executive agency or military department may appoint in the competitive service any individual who has been certified by the Office of Personnel Management, within the 12-month period preceding the appointment, as having successfully completed any internship, scholarship, or fellowship program, or a third-party internship or fellowship.

(c) Documentation

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, through the Executive Director of the Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Center established under section 361, shall issue such documentation as is necessary to certify individuals under subsection (b) as eligible for noncompetitive appointments in the competitive service.

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Reentry at same or higher class and grade

Any employee who successfully completes a Federal reskilling program and transfers to a position in the Federal Government in the competitive or excepted service that requires technical skill or expertise provided to the employee in such Federal reskilling program shall, notwithstanding the classification requirements set out in chapter 51 of title 5, United States Code, serve in the new position at a class and grade at or higher than the class and grade of the position from which the employee transferred.

(c) Guidance and regulations

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall issue—

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(b) Purpose

The purpose of this section is to establish a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve as a pilot project to provide to the Federal Government trained and qualified civilian personnel who have previously served with the Federal Government or in the uniformed services and possess cybersecurity expertise, in order to address cybersecurity needs of the United States to protect the national security of the United States.

(c) Pilot project

(d) Eligibility; application and selection

(e) Components of the civilian cybersecurity reserve

The appropriate agency head may consider, in carrying out a pilot project authorized under subsection (c), developing different components of the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve in the covered agency, one with an obligation to respond when called into activation at the direction of the appropriate agency head and one that is not compelled to so respond, with appropriate corresponding differing benefits for each such component.

(f) Security clearances

The appropriate agency head shall ensure that all members of the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve in the covered agency have an active security clearance in accordance with Executive Order 12968 (50 U.S.C. 3161 note; relating to access to classified information) and Executive Order 13467 (50 U.S.C. 3161 note; relating to reforming processes related to suitability for Government employment, fitness for contractor employees, and eligibility for access to classified national security information).

(g) Project guidance

(h) Evaluation

Not later than 5 years after the pilot project authorized under subsection (c) is established in each covered agency, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(i) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to each appropriate agency head such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Expansion of cyber talent management system

Subject to subsection (b), the head of any Executive agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, may exercise the authorities under section 2208 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 658) to the same extent as the Secretary of Homeland Security may exercise such authorities.

(b) Coordination by Secretary of Homeland Security

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate with the heads of Executive agencies to facilitate the exercise of authorities under subsection (a).

(a) Establishment

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the heads of the agencies specified in subsection (b), shall develop and implement a personnel policy demonstration project to assess innovative approaches to new personnel policies for employees, that may include implementing—

(b) Agencies

The agencies referred to in subsection (a) are—

(c) Participation

The head of each agency referred to in subsection (b) may determine whether the agency will participate in the personnel demonstration project under this section, and, if the agency head determines that the agency will so participate, whether the project will apply to current employees of that agency, current employees of 1 or more components of that agency, newly hired employees of that agency, or newly hired employees of 1 or more components of that agency.

(d) Duration and size of project

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(a) In general

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop a legislative proposal to establish, under title 38, United States Code, a single personnel system that—

(b) Matters To consider

In developing the proposal under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(c) Availability of proposal

The Secretary shall make the proposal developed under subsection (a) available for use by other Federal agencies that operate health care delivery systems.

(d) Report

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report containing the proposal developed under subsection (a).

(a) Portability of licensure for Federal health care professionals

Notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the licensure of health care providers, a health care professional described in subsection (b) may practice, at any location in any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any other territory or possession of the United States, the health profession or professions for which the health care professional has a license described in subsection (b)(2), regardless of where such health care professional or the patient involved is located, if the practice is within the scope of the authorized Federal duties of such health care professional.

(b) Individuals described

A health care professional described in this subsection is a Federal employee—

(c) Definition of license

As used in this section, the term license means a grant of permission by an official agency of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any other territory or possession of the United States to provide health care independently as a health care professional and includes, in the case of such care furnished in a foreign country by any person who is not a national of the United States, a grant of permission by an official agency of that foreign country for that person to provide health care independently as a health care professional.

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(2)

in subsection (c), by inserting which is not for the sole purpose of providing replacements for combat, after just,; and

(3)

in subsection (d), by striking as expressed in the National Defense Act of 1916, as amended.

(1)

in subsection (f)—

(2)

by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (g) and inserting the following:

(1)

(A)

the requirement for such person to register has terminated or become inapplicable to such person; and

(B)

such person shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that such failure was not a knowing failure; or

(2)

such person so registered not later than 30 days after receiving notice of such requirement, regardless of the person’s age at the time of registration.

(1)

in section 4 (50 U.S.C. 3803)—

(2)

in section 5(d) (50 U.S.C. 3805(d)), by striking he may prescribe and inserting the President may prescribe;

(3)

in section 6 (50 U.S.C. 3806)—

(4)

in section 10 (50 U.S.C. 3809)—

(5)

in section 12 (50 U.S.C. 3811), by striking present himself each place it appears and inserting appear;

(6)

in section 13(b) (50 U.S.C. 3812(b)), by striking regulation if he and inserting regulation if the President;

(7)

in section 15 (50 U.S.C. 3813)—

(8)

in section 16(g) (50 U.S.C. 3814(g))—

(9)

in section 18(a) (50 U.S.C. 3816(a)), by striking he is authorized and inserting the President is authorized;

(10)

in section 21 (50 U.S.C. 3819)—

(11)

in section 22(b) (50 U.S.C. 3820(b)), in paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking his each place it appears and inserting the registrant’s; and

(12)

except as otherwise provided in this section—

(1)

developing, managing, and coordinating policy and plans that address the full spectrum of military mobilization readiness, including full mobilization of personnel from volunteers to draftees in the event of a draft activation;

(2)

providing Congress and the Selective Service System with updated requirements and timelines for obtaining draft inductees in the event of a national emergency requiring mass mobilization and activation of the draft; and

(3)

providing Congress with a plan, developed in coordination with the Selective Service System, to induct large numbers of volunteers who may respond to a national call for volunteers during an emergency.

(1)

The Department of Defense needs a workforce of skilled individuals to meet the national security challenges facing the United States.

(2)

As the Department develops tools to bring individuals with critical skills into civilian and military service, it must identify the type and number of critically skilled personnel that are needed.

(1) In general

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall develop and maintain a list of the critical skills and numbers of skilled individuals needed for the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces, and the National Guard.

(2) Critical skills

For purposes of this section, critical skills are those skills for which the Department has a critical need, such as medical, dental, and nursing skills, language skills, cyber skills, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills.

(1) In general

The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall ensure that the list developed under subsection (b) is updated annually in accordance with paragraph (2).

(2) Coordination

The Under Secretary shall develop, maintain, and update the list of critical skills in close consultation with each military department, through its Assistant Secretaries for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, with the Director of the Selective Service System, and with the Council on Military, National, and Public Service established under section 201.

(3) Implementation

The Under Secretary shall implement the list of critical skills under this section not later than January 1, 2025.

(1)

by striking or any member and inserting any member; and

(2)

by inserting , or any member in the Individual Ready Reserve for Critical Skills after under their respective jurisdictions,.