Saving the Department of the Interior's Workforce Act

This bill would pause layoffs and forced separations across all agencies and bureaus in the Department of the Interior. Until full-year funding for the department for fiscal year 2026 is passed, the department could not start or carry out any reduction in force. It also could not fire career employees in most federal job categories unless there is a specific, proven reason like misconduct, poor performance, or delinquency.

Key points:

• Who is affected: All employees at agencies and bureaus within the Department of the Interior, including those in competitive service, excepted service (career), and Senior Executive Service (career).
• What changes: No layoffs or involuntary separations, unless for cause related to misconduct, delinquency, or performance.
• When it applies: From enactment until the department’s full-year fiscal year 2026 funding becomes law.