WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced the Hiring Improvement and Recruitment Empowerment (HIRE) for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Act, legislation co-led by Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13), to help the DEA more efficiently hire critical personnel needed to combat drug trafficking and protect communities across the country.

The HIRE DEA Act would temporarily grant the DEA direct hire authority, allowing the agency to expedite hiring and reduce bureaucratic delays that currently prevent local offices from quickly filling essential law enforcement and public safety roles. This reform will strengthen national security and improve public health and safety by ensuring the DEA can respond faster to evolving drug trafficking threats.

"Drug trafficking continues to devastate communities across the country, including right here in California's Central Valley," said Congressman Fong (CA-20). "Our families deserve safe neighborhoods, which cannot happen unless law enforcement has the officers and resources necessary to tackle the ongoing drug crisis. The HIRE DEA Act cuts unnecessary red tape and gives the DEA the ability to quickly hire the personnel needed to disrupt trafficking networks and keep dangerous drugs off our streets."

"I am proud to join Representative Fong in working to bolster law enforcement's efforts to combat deadly drugs," said Congressman Knott (NC-13). "This bill cuts red tape that prohibits the DEA from efficiently staffing their local offices. Less red tape and more action will lead to safer communities."

Key Provisions of the HIRE DEA Act

• The bill would grant the DEA direct hire authority for critical personnel positions from Fiscal Years 2027 through 2034, including:

• Program Managers

• Project Managers

• Criminal Investigators/Special Agents (1811s)

• Intelligence Analysts/Intelligence Research Specialists

• Forensic Specialists

• Community Outreach Coordinators

Currently, the DEA's hiring process is managed through headquarters, from vetting to nationwide placement, often resulting in lengthy delays - frequently 12 months or more for criminal investigators and special agents. These delays come at a time when violence and threats against federal law enforcement have increased dramatically, placing additional strain on the agency's ability to effectively staff field offices and carry out its mission. By streamlining recruitment and accelerating hiring timelines, the HIRE DEA Act would help ensure DEA offices are properly staffed and equipped to respond to drug trafficking and related criminal activity that continues to harm communities nationwide.

The legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03) and is supported by the Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA) and the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition (NNOAC).

Read the full bill next here.