MERIT Act of 2025

This bill would make it faster and simpler for federal agencies to deal with poor performance or misconduct. It ends the separate performance-removal track and moves to one set of discipline rules under the general adverse‑action process . Deadlines are tighter (7 business days to respond, 15 business days for a decision, and 10 business days to appeal), and agencies don’t have to put employees on a performance improvement plan first . It narrows when union grievances can be used for these cases and says the new procedures override any conflicting union contracts .

The bill also tightens rules for senior leaders and supervisors, using the same faster timelines and allowing actions without a PIP . It creates new furlough rules, including an emergency furlough that requires notice but no other procedures. Agencies could claw back bonuses after an official finding against an employee and block new bonuses for five years. If a worker is convicted of a felony tied to their job duties, the pension for that period would be reduced, with an appeal right and a spouse protection rule . The probation period would extend to two years for most federal jobs and for senior executives .

• Who is affected: Most civilian federal employees, including supervisors and senior executives .
• What changes: One set of faster discipline rules; limited union grievances; emergency furlough option; bonus clawbacks; pension cuts for job‑related felonies; two‑year probation .
• When: Most changes start one year after enactment; some furlough parts can start sooner (180 days after enactment or when rules are issued) .