Saving the Department of the Interior's Workforce Act
Summary
The "Saving the Department of the Interior's Workforce Act" proposes a moratorium on reductions in force (RIF) within the Department of the Interior (DOI) until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are enacted. This prevents the Secretary of the Interior from initiating RIFs or conducting involuntary separations of employees. The bill aims to protect the jobs of employees in the competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service, except in cases of misconduct, delinquency, or performance issues.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would temporarily prevent the Department of the Interior from reducing its workforce through RIFs or involuntary separations. This would provide job security for DOI employees until the fiscal year 2026 appropriations are finalized. The practical effect is a temporary freeze on personnel reductions, maintaining the current staffing levels within the DOI.
Potential Benefits
- Job security for Department of the Interior employees.
- Continuity of operations within the DOI during the moratorium.
- Potential for improved employee morale due to reduced job insecurity.
- Preservation of institutional knowledge and expertise within the DOI.
- Avoidance of potential disruptions to DOI programs and services.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced flexibility in managing the DOI workforce.
- Possible delays in implementing necessary organizational changes.
- Continued expenditure on potentially underperforming employees who cannot be easily separated.
- Possible strain on the DOI budget if workforce reductions are needed to meet fiscal constraints.
- Potential for resentment from employees who may feel that poor performers are being protected.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, as it pertains to the legislative power of Congress to appropriate funds and set policy for government agencies (Article I, Section 8). It does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill's focus on workforce management within a government agency falls within the scope of congressional authority.
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).