This bill creates a temporary ban on reductions in force (RIF) across all agencies and bureaus of the Department of the Interior. The ban lasts until full-year appropriations for the Department of the Interior for fiscal year 2026 are enacted into law. While the ban is in effect, the Secretary of the Interior may not start or carry out any RIF and may not involuntarily separate competitive service employees, career excepted service employees, or career Senior Executive Service appointees except for cause based on misconduct, delinquency, or performance. The bill cites defined terms in title 5 of the United States Code.
If you are an employee or manager at an agency or bureau of the Department of the Interior, this bill would prevent layoffs and most involuntary separations until the Department’s FY2026 full-year appropriations are enacted. Employees could still be separated for cause on charges of misconduct, delinquency, or poor performance. If you do not work for the Department of the Interior, the bill does not directly apply to you.
No publicly available information. The bill text does not include cost estimates or detailed funding changes.
No publicly available information in the bill text about supporters' arguments. Sponsor(s): Senators Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse. Introduced July 31, 2025.
No publicly available information in the bill text about opponents' arguments.