July 30, 2026
Mr. Neguse (for himself, Ms. Houlahan, and Mr. Kiley of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To establish a pilot program to address critical workforce integration and national security imperatives.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the National Guard for National Service Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Pilot program to address critical workforce integration and national security imperatives
(a) In general
After the conclusion of the study under subsection (b), the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service shall establish a pilot program, informed by the study under subsection (b), to address critical workforce integration and national security imperatives through activities conducted by the National Guard Bureau and under the national service laws, which shall include the following:
(1) Critical infrastructure protection
Activities to proactively safeguard essential systems and assets that are vital for the functioning of the society and economy of the United States, including systems of transportation, energy, communications, and water management.
(2) Cybersecurity capacity-building
Activities related to the training and deployment of participants and members of the National Guard to assist local and Tribal governments, elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits in strengthening their security protocols and resilience.
(3) Disaster preparedness and community resilience
Activities to expand efforts in community preparedness and resilience to reduce risks to civilian life and strategic infrastructure due to major disasters and ensure their ability to be resilient should an event occur.
(4) Workforce development and financial security
Activities to establish a nationwide employment and training pipeline that—
(A)
connects part-time National Guard and Reserve service members with structured career pathways through programs established under the national service laws;
(B)
addresses economic insecurity; and
(C)
ensures workforce stability.
(b) Feasibility study
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service shall jointly conduct a feasibility study regarding—
(1)
the actions and procedural modifications that would be necessary to develop a dedicated nationwide employment and training pipeline for members of a reserve component to participate in programs carried out under the national service laws;
(2)
modifications necessary to the terms of service for a participant under the national service laws to accommodate training schedules and deployment of military service members;
(3)
quantifiable benefits anticipated with respect to the establishment of such a pipeline;
(4)
financial and administrative costs of the implementation of the pilot program under subsection (a);
(5)
the percentage of members of a reserve component who lack access to stable, full-time employment;
(6)
the expected levels of participation by military service members seeking employment and training opportunities in programs carried out under the national service laws;
(7)
the framework for the design and operationalization of such a pipeline; and
(8)
whether a dedicated nationwide employment and training pipeline to participation in programs carried out under the national service laws is an effective tool for enhancing employment and upskilling opportunities for military spouses and dependents.
(c) Definitions
For purposes of this section:
(1) National guard
The term national guard has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 32, United States Code.
(2) National service laws
The term national service laws has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).
(3) Participant
The term participant has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).