Summary

Temporarily blocks NOAA from laying off or separating covered employees for budget or reorganization reasons until full‑year funding for fiscal year 2026 is signed into law. During this pause, NOAA cannot start reductions in force or involuntary separations. Discipline or removal “for cause” can still occur (for misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency). The measure uses federal civil service definitions in title 5 and does not replace other existing personnel authorities for actions like discipline under chapter 75.

Key Points

• Imposes a temporary moratorium on NOAA reductions in force and involuntary separations.
• Exception permits removals for cause (misconduct, delinquency, inefficiency).
• Relies on title 5 definitions and civil service processes.
• Does not replace existing personnel authorities like chapter 75 actions.
• Ends once full‑year FY2026 appropriations for NOAA become law.
• Applies to specified NOAA employees covered by title 5 RIF rules.
• Contractors are not directly addressed by the prohibition.
• Aims to preserve NOAA workforce stability during the FY2026 funding process.

Categories & Tags