Saving DOE’s Workforce Act

This bill would temporarily stop the Department of Energy from laying off career staff. Until Congress passes the full-year budget for the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2026, the agency could not start a reduction in force or fire career employees unless it’s for a clear reason like misconduct, delinquency, or poor performance.

It covers most career employees, including those in the competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service. These protections add to, not replace, existing rules on disciplinary actions.

• Who is affected: Career employees at the Department of Energy, including Senior Executive Service members.
• What changes: No layoffs or involuntary separations, unless for cause (misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency).
• When: From now until the full-year 2026 Department of Energy budget becomes law.