Federal Freeze Act

This proposal would freeze federal employee pay for one year and stop federal agencies from growing their staff above today’s level for that same year. Agencies could still hire if it clearly helps law enforcement, public safety, or national security. After that, agencies must slowly shrink their workforce: 2% smaller by year two and 5% smaller by year three, compared to the level when the law takes effect. A nonpartisan summary echoes the one-year pay freeze and the hiring cap with the same safety and security exceptions, and it notes the 5% workforce reduction within three years.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Federal agencies, current federal employees, and people seeking federal jobs.
• What changes: One-year pay freeze; one-year cap on workforce size; limited hiring allowed for safety and security; required staff cuts of 2% by year two and 5% by year three.
• When: Starts on the date the law is enacted; the freeze lasts one year, and the reduction targets apply at two and three years after enactment.