Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) and Senator James Lankford (R-OK) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter on Apr. 17 to the Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy about a policy in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act that expands the Department’s ability to use direct hire authority for critical positions at depots, arsenals, shipyards, and industrial facilities.
The issue is important because it addresses workforce shortages at key military support sites by making it easier to fill vital roles quickly. The lawmakers asked each service secretary for a written strategy on how they plan to use an expanded definition of ‘defense industrial base’ under this new authority. They also requested information on how direct hire authority has been used for recruitment and attrition management over recent years and projections for future hiring.
The letter was co-signed by Representatives Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Don Davis (D-NC). Moore said, “Our depots desperately need talent, and a slow bureaucratic hiring process prevents depots from hiring the best of the best. I was proud to work with Senator Lankford last year to secure a critical policy change in the FY26 NDAA, which will make it easier for the Ogden Air Logistics Complex to quickly hire skilled workers. I am especially thrilled that this policy effectively eliminates the 180 Day Rule for most of our civilian positions in Ogden, something I have long advocated to abolish while in Congress.”
Lankford added: “By expanding direct-hire authority to include all supporting units at installations like Tinker Air Force Base, we are cutting the bureaucratic red tape that has slowed our military readiness. For too long, narrow interpretations left thousands of critical support roles stuck in an excruciatingly slow hiring process. This change will help us bring veterans and skilled technicians on board faster, strengthen our defense industrial base, and ensure we are fully using the tools available to support our national security.”
The amendment allows major depots such as Hill Air Force Base and Tinker Air Force Base greater flexibility in filling jobs quickly through direct hire authority rather than relying heavily on private contractors or losing veterans due to delays caused by what is known as the “180 Day Rule.” The updated definition now covers more types of jobs including program analysts, software technicians, mechanics, training instructors, safety specialists—broadening opportunities across various support functions.
Blake Moore has served as U.S. Representative for Utah’s 1st District since 2021 after replacing Rob Bishop according to congressional records. He was born in Ogden in 1980 and currently lives in Salt Lake City . Moore graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in 2005 .
