1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Strengthening the NRC Workforce Act of 2023 . 2. Commission workforce (a) General authority The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ( 42 U.S.C. 2201 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 161A the following: 161B. Commission workforce (a) Direct hire authority (1) In general Notwithstanding section 161 d. of this Act and section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, if the Chairman of the Commission issues a certification that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the Commission’s responsibilities and activities, the Chairman may, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), recruit and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive service. (2) Limitations Any action authorized pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the merit principles of section 2301 of title 5, United States Code, and the Chairman shall comply with the public notice requirements of section 3327 of such title 5. (3) Termination (A) In general A certification issued or renewed under this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of— (i) the date that is 5 years after the certification is renewed or issued