; and (B) any plans of the Administrator for the implementation of such recommendations. 523. Direct hire authority utilization (a) In general Section 40122 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (k) Direct hire authority The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall utilize existing direct hire authority to expedite the hiring process and hire individuals on a non-competitive basis for safety critical and safety technical positions related to aircraft certification and aviation safety more broadly to maintain the gold standard of aviation safety and, as necessary, fulfill any gaps identified in workforce reviews at the Federal Aviation Administration. . (b) Congressional briefing Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter through 2028, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the status of— (1) utilization of the direct hire authority described subsection (k) of such section 40122, as added subsection (a)