Saving NIST’s Workforce Act

This bill puts a temporary pause on layoffs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Until Congress passes full-year funding for NIST for fiscal year 2026, NIST cannot start or carry out any reduction in force (RIF) or fire career employees, unless it’s for cause like misconduct or poor performance.

The goal is to keep NIST’s staff stable while budgets are decided. It covers most types of federal employees at NIST, including competitive service, excepted service, and career Senior Executive Service employees.

• Who is affected: NIST employees across competitive service, excepted service, and career SES.
• What changes: No RIFs or involuntary separations, unless for cause (misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency).
• When: From now until full-year NIST funding for FY2026 is enacted into law.