To prohibit certain removals of employees of the Department of Health and Human Services and sub-agencies and operating divisions thereof, and for other purposes.
This bill would prevent the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and any sub-agencies or operating divisions within HHS from using federal funds to remove employees in certain circumstances. Specifically, it blocks funding for agency actions (including reductions in force under 5 U.S.C. subchapter I or agency reorganizations) that would result in: - a removal of 3% or more of all HHS employees within a 60-day period, or - a removal of 3% or more of the employees at any single sub-agency or operating division within a 60-day period. In short, large and rapid layoffs or restructurings at HHS or its sub-units-that would trim staff by 3% or more in 60 days—are barred unless funding is provided for such removals. The bill is introduced and referred to several committees for consideration.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on funding: No federal funds may be obligated or expended to remove HHS employees under qualifying actions.
- 2Thresholds: The 3% removal rule applies both to the entire Department (60-day window) and to each sub-agency/operating division (60-day window).
- 3Time frame: The 60-day period is the window that triggers the restriction.
- 4Actions covered: Includes reductions in force and agency reorganizations conducted as part of an agency action.
- 5Scope: Applies specifically to HHS and its sub-agencies/operating divisions; does not expressly address other departments.