HR 2210119th CongressIn Committee

Saving NASA’s Workforce Act

Introduced: Mar 18, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

Saving NASA’s Workforce Act would temporarily shield NASA from most involuntary staffing actions. Until full-year budget laws for FY2026 are enacted, NASA may not initiate or implement reductions in force (RIFs) or involuntarily separate employees in the competitive service, the excepted service, or Senior Executive Service, unless there is a proper cause such as misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency. The bill defines these civil service categories per existing law and adds that this moratorium runs in addition to existing authorities governing adverse personnel actions. In short, the bill freezes most layoffs at NASA during budget stalemates, protecting the current workforce unless there is cause to remove someone.

Key Points

1Moratorium scope and duration: Prohibits NASA from initiating or implementing any reduction in force or involuntary separation for most employees until full-year FY2026 appropriations are enacted into law.
2Who is protected: Applies to employees in the competitive service, the excepted service, and career appointees in the Senior Executive Service; definitions tied to 5 U.S.C. sections 2102, 2103, and 3132(a).
3Exceptions for cause: Involuntary separations are allowed only for cause (charges of misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency); routine budget-based reductions are not permitted during the moratorium.
4Relationship to other law: The moratorium is in addition to other authorities governing adverse personnel actions (including Chapter 75 of Title 5); it does not remove those authorities but restricts them during the moratorium.
5Short title: The act is titled the “Saving NASA’s Workforce Act.”

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: NASA’s federal workforce in the competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service; overall staffing stability during budget negotiations.Secondary group/area affected: NASA management and human resources operations, since hiring/layoff planning and workforce restructuring are constrained; potential effects on budget execution and strategic planning.Additional impacts: Could influence NASA’s ability to respond quickly to budget changes or mission needs; may affect morale and labor relations planning; indirect implications for contractors and program staffing levels if contractor decisions align with NASA’s staffing posture.

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