H.R. 5908: Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act

This bill is known as the Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act. Its primary purpose is to require specific reporting from executive agencies concerning employees who are furloughed when there is a lapse in appropriations, commonly referred to as a government shutdown.

Key Provisions

• Definition of Terms: The bill provides definitions for certain terms used throughout the legislation. For example:
  • Covered Employee: An employee of an executive agency who is furloughed during a lapse in appropriations.
  • Executive Agency: Refers to agencies as defined in federal law.
  • Covered Period: The time frame in which a lapse in appropriations occurs.
• Reporting Requirements: Within 30 days of the end of a furlough period, executives of agencies are required to submit a report to Congress. This report must detail:
  • The total number of employees in the agency prior to the furlough.
  • The total salary expenditures for the agency in the year preceding the furlough.
  • The number of furloughed employees during the lapse and their corresponding salary amounts.
  • The number of non-furloughed employees and their salary amounts.
• Classification and Publication: The reports submitted to Congress must be unclassified, although they can include a classified annex. Furthermore, within 30 days of receiving the report, the appropriate congressional committee is required to publish it on their website.
• Economic Impact Analysis: Additionally, the bill mandates that the Director of the Congressional Budget Office produce a report on the economic effects of any lapse in appropriations that occurred during the furlough. This report must be submitted to Congress and made publicly available within 30 days of the end of the covered period.

Objective

The overarching aim of the Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act is to improve transparency concerning the impact of furloughs on federal employees and the related economic effects during government funding gaps. By requiring these reports, Congress intends to have a clearer understanding of how many workers are affected and the financial implications of furloughs on the federal workforce.

Enforcement

The enforcement of compliance with these reporting requirements will fall on the executive branches of government, ensuring accountability during times of funding shortages.

Relevant Companies

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