This Act may be cited as the Minimum Experience Requirements for Intelligence Transition Act of 2026 or the MERIT Act of 2026.

Section 102(a) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3023(a)U.S. Code — Title 50, Section 3023(a)View official source on GovInfo) is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting or serving as Director of National Intelligence in an acting capacity, including any official performing the duties of such position, before shall have.