H.R. 2211: Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act

This legislation, titled the "Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act," proposes a temporary halt to layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specifically, the bill establishes a moratorium on what is known as a "reduction in force," which means that NOAA would not be allowed to reduce its workforce by laying off employees or involuntarily separating current employees until the full-year budget appropriations for NOAA for the fiscal year 2026 are put into law.

Key Provisions

• Moratorium on Layoffs: The bill prohibits NOAA from initiating or implementing any layoffs or conducting involuntary separations of its employees.
• Employee Protections: Employees protected under this bill include those in the competitive service, those who are career employees in the excepted service, and career appointees in the Senior Executive Service. Involuntary separations can only occur for reasons related to misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency.
• Defined Terms: The bill clarifies the terms "competitive service," "excepted service," and "career appointee," directing them to definitions in Title 5 of the United States Code.
• Additional Authority: The provisions of this bill are in addition to any existing rights and authorities regarding adverse personnel actions, ensuring that employees still have protections under other applicable laws.

Purpose of the Bill

The primary aim of this bill is to protect the workforce at NOAA during a time when budget appropriations are being organized and finalized. By preventing layoffs and involuntary separations, the bill seeks to maintain staffing levels and operational stability within NOAA as it prepares for the fiscal challenges ahead.

Scope of Application

The moratorium applies broadly to all applicable employees at NOAA, ensuring that the organization can continue to operate effectively without the disruption that could result from sudden layoffs. The bill emphasizes the importance of continuity and stability in NOAA's workforce, especially in relation to the agency's critical roles in environmental observations, research, and management.

Implementation Timeline

The moratorium remains in effect until NOAA's full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 have been enacted, which means it is tied directly to the federal budgeting process and ensures that funding decisions are in place before any workforce reductions can be considered.

Relevant Companies

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