Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Saving NASA’s Workforce Act

Summary

The "Saving NASA's Workforce Act" aims to prevent a reduction in force (RIF) at NASA until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are enacted. This moratorium would temporarily suspend NASA's ability to conduct layoffs under specific sections of Title 5 of the United States Code. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining NASA's workforce during this period.

Expected Effects

The immediate effect would be to halt any planned or potential RIF actions at NASA. This would provide job security for NASA employees in the short term. The long-term effects depend on the appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and NASA's overall budget.

Potential Benefits

  • Prevents potential job losses at NASA, maintaining workforce stability.
  • Allows NASA to retain skilled personnel and continue ongoing projects without disruption.
  • Provides a period of stability for NASA employees, reducing uncertainty and anxiety.
  • Could support continued innovation and progress in space exploration and research.
  • May help maintain morale and productivity within the agency.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Could potentially delay necessary restructuring or efficiency improvements within NASA.
  • May lead to increased costs if NASA is forced to retain unnecessary personnel.
  • Might create uncertainty about long-term job security beyond fiscal year 2026.
  • Could hinder NASA's ability to adapt to changing priorities or budget constraints.
  • May not address underlying issues that led to the potential RIF in the first place.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the general powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which includes the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. NASA's activities can be argued to contribute to both. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).