Reps. Nancy Mace and Katie Porter’s MACE Act Passes House

Rep. Mace’s campaigns says the MACE Act “eliminates unnecessary degree barriers for federal cybersecurity jobs, opening doors to talented individuals with exceptional skills. By focusing on qualifications directly relevant to job performance, the bill ensures equal opportunities and combats biases in hiring.”

The bill further mandates the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to publish annual progress reports on the reform of education-based qualifications and the formal education levels of new hires in cyber-related positions.

“Today, a brilliant computer whiz who drops out of Harvard after a year or two – as Bill Gates did – would stand little chance of securing a federal cybersecurity job,” Rep. Mace said. “We often hear from the other side of the aisle that the federal government should be a ‘model employer’ and the elimination of unnecessary degree barriers ensures the federal government is such an employer. We look forward to seeing our bill hopefully signed into law soon.”