Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act

This bill would pause layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that are done through “reduction in force” rules. The pause would last until Congress passes full-year funding for NOAA for fiscal year 2026. During this time, NOAA could not use federal RIF procedures to cut staff, though other normal personnel rules still exist. The goal is to protect NOAA’s workforce while next year’s budget is being finalized .

• Who is affected: NOAA employees.
• What changes: No RIF-based layoffs at NOAA during the pause; other personnel actions remain governed by existing rules.
• When it applies: From enactment until full-year FY2026 NOAA appropriations become law .