Rep. Nancy Mace's Bill To Eliminate Unnecessary Degree Requirements In Federal Contracting Heads To House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 23, 2026)- Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced her legislation, H.R. 5235, the Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act,will head to the House floor today for consideration.

The legislation prohibits federal agencies from including minimum education requirements in contract solicitations unless a contracting officer provides written justification explaining why the agency's needs cannot be met without such a requirement. The bill ensures federal contract solicitations prioritize demonstrated skill and proven ability over unnecessary degree mandates.

"Sixty percent of Americans don't have a four-year degree, yet seventy-five percent of job postings require one. This isn't a skills gap. It's a paper ceiling, and it's shutting millions of qualified Americans out before they ever get a fair shot," said Congresswoman Mace."Our bill puts the focus back on skills and merit. Taxpayers deserve the most capable person for the job, not just the one with the right diploma."

H.R. 5235 amends title 41 of the United States Code to ensure federal contract solicitations reflect genuine workforce needs and expand access to opportunities for Americans with valuable training and real-world experience. To promote accountability, the legislation requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue implementation guidance to executive agencies within 180 days of enactment and directs the Government Accountability Office to submit a compliance report to Congress within three years.

The legislation also builds on President Trump's executive order, Restoring Merit to Government Service, extending merit-based principles to federal contracting to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more efficiently and opportunities are open to all qualified Americans.

If passed by the House, the legislation will head to the Senate for consideration.

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