Saving NIST’s Workforce Act

The Saving NIST’s Workforce Act would temporarily prohibit any reduction in force (RIF) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the point at which full-year appropriations for FY 2026 are enacted. In other words, NIST is barred from laying off employees or taking certain personnel actions under specified provisions of title 5 U.S.C. during this funding period. The bill makes clear that this moratorium is in addition to any other authority the agency may have over adverse personnel actions. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Hirono and Van Hollen and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.