S.662 - Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation Act of 2025; MERIT Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The MERIT Act of 2025 (S.662) aims to reform federal employment practices by amending Title 5 of the United States Code. The bill seeks to streamline the process for removing federal employees for performance or misconduct, modify procedures for furloughs, and alter the handling of adverse actions and reductions in force. It also addresses issues related to senior executives, supervisors, bonuses, and annuity reductions for employees convicted of felonies.
Expected Effects
The Act would likely lead to a more expedited process for addressing federal employee performance and misconduct issues. It could also result in increased accountability for employees, supervisors, and senior executives. The changes to furlough procedures and annuity reductions may impact employee benefits and job security.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined removal processes for poorly performing employees, potentially improving government efficiency.
- Increased accountability for supervisors and senior executives.
- Potential cost savings from recouping bonuses and reducing annuities of convicted felons.
- Uniform standards for adverse actions based on performance or conduct.
- Clearer guidelines for furlough procedures.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced job security for federal employees due to easier removal processes.
- Limited appeal options for adverse actions and reductions in force.
- Potential for abuse of power in performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
- Negative impact on employee morale and productivity due to increased job insecurity.
- Possible disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups within the federal workforce.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Congress has broad authority over federal employment under Article I, Section 8 (Necessary and Proper Clause), changes to due process rights in adverse actions could raise concerns under the Fifth Amendment. The First Amendment is not directly implicated, but the potential for politically motivated actions could indirectly affect free speech rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).