S 2953119th CongressIn Committee

Dismantling Double Dippers Act of 2025

Introduced: Sep 30, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] (R-Iowa)

Labor & Employment

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The bill, titled the Dismantling Double Dippers Act of 2025, would tighten rules for federal employees by adding a new prohibition to 5 U.S.C. § 5533. It prevents federal workers from holding more than one federal position at the same time, engaging in or applying for government contracts, or receiving any compensation tied to a government contract while they are in federal service. If a violation occurs “knowingly,” the employee must repay all amounts received (with interest) and may be referred to the Department of Justice for investigation and possible criminal prosecution. Agencies must notify their inspectors general (IGs) of suspected violations. The bill also requires annual audits by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Inspector General to identify violations, cross-check payroll and attendance data with other government data sources (including IRS data), and assess telework and contractor positions where overlapping employment could be hidden. The goal is to curb “double dipping” and strengthen accountability for dual pay and dual employment.

Key Points

1Prohibits: while serving in the federal government, an individual may not simultaneously (A) hold more than one civil service position, (B) apply for or enter into a contract for government procurement, or (C) receive compensation under such a contract.
2Enforcement for knowing violations: required repayment of all amounts received, with interest, and referral to the Department of Justice for investigation and possible criminal prosecution.
3Reporting obligations: each agency must notify its inspector general of suspected violations.
4Auditing and oversight: the OPM Inspector General must annually audit personnel and payroll records to identify violations and report to Congress, agency heads, and IGs.
5Audit content: audits must cross-reference payroll, time/attendance, OPM HR systems, and IRS data; include risk-based reviews of telework and contractor positions; quantify violations, amounts recovered, and actions taken.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Federal employees who would otherwise hold multiple government positions, obtain compensation from government contracts, or be employed under overlapping federal arrangements.Secondary group/area affected: Federal agencies’ HR, payroll, procurement, and compliance offices; the Office of Personnel Management; inspectors general; the Department of Justice for potential prosecutions; and contractors who work with the federal government.Additional impacts: potential reduction in “double dipping” practices, increased compliance and data-sharing requirements (including with IRS data and internal payroll systems), potential financial recoveries with interest, and heightened scrutiny of telework and contractor roles to prevent hidden overlaps.

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