H.R. 4853: Saving the Forest Service's Workforce Act

Overview

This bill, titled the "Saving the Forest Service's Workforce Act," aims to protect the employment of workers at the Forest Service until full funding for the fiscal year 2026 is secured.

Key Provisions

• Moratorium on Reductions: The bill prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, from initiating or implementing any reduction in workforce at the Forest Service. This means that no employees can be laid off or let go as a result of budget cuts or other reasons.
• Involuntary Separations Restricted: Additionally, the bill blocks any involuntary separations of employees who hold competitive service positions, career excepted service positions, or are career appointees in the Senior Executive Service. The only exception to this rule would be for causes related to misconduct, delinquency, or performance issues. Thus, employees cannot be dismissed without justified reasons.

Definitions

• Competitive Service: Positions in the federal government that require competitive selection through examinations or a competitive process.
• Excepted Service: Positions that are not in the competitive service and for which the appointment is not subject to the usual competitive service hiring process.
• Career Appointee: Individuals who are appointed to their positions on a permanent basis in the Senior Executive Service.

Context

This legislation is significant in that it seeks to maintain job security for Forest Service employees during a time when budgetary appropriations are still being discussed and finalized. The intention behind the bill is to ensure that the workforce remains stable while funding is secured.

Relevant Companies

• None found