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HR 5599119th CongressIn Committee
To prohibit the removal of Federal employees during any lapse in discretionary appropriations, and for other purposes.
Introduced: Sep 26, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2] (D-Maryland)
Labor & Employment
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
This bill would prohibit the removal or termination of federal employees during government shutdowns caused by lapses in discretionary appropriations. The legislation aims to protect federal workers from being fired during periods when Congress has not passed funding bills to keep government agencies operating. By preventing employee removals during these funding gaps, the bill would ensure that federal workers maintain job security even when political disagreements prevent the passage of appropriations legislation. This protection would apply to all federal employees across government agencies and departments during any shutdown period.
Key Points
- 1Prohibits the removal, termination, or firing of federal employees during any lapse in discretionary appropriations (government shutdowns)
- 2Applies to all federal employees regardless of their agency or department
- 3Protection remains in effect for the entire duration of any funding lapse
- 4Prevents agencies from using shutdown periods as opportunities to reduce workforce
- 5Does not appear to address other employment actions such as furloughs or pay issues during shutdowns
Impact Areas
Federal Workforce: Provides job security protection for approximately 2 million federal civilian employees during government shutdownsAgency Operations: Limits management flexibility to make personnel decisions during funding lapsesGovernment Shutdowns: Changes the dynamics of shutdown periods by ensuring workforce stability and preventing politically-motivated or opportunistic terminations during budget impasses
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