Saving NSF’s Workforce Act

This bill temporarily stops the National Science Foundation (NSF) from laying off employees or forcing them to leave their jobs, unless there is a specific cause like misconduct or poor performance. The pause stays in place until Congress passes the NSF’s full-year budget for fiscal year 2026.

It covers most NSF staff, including competitive service, excepted service, and senior career leaders. Normal rules for disciplining employees still apply; this just prevents broad layoffs and forced separations during the pause.

Key points

• Who is affected: NSF employees across major federal service categories.
• What changes: No reductions in force or involuntary separations, except for cause (misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency).
• When: From when the bill takes effect until the NSF’s full-year fiscal year 2026 funding becomes law.