HR 2211119th CongressIn Committee

Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act

Introduced: Mar 18, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act would create a temporary moratorium on reductions in force (RIF) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 have been enacted. Under the act, NOAA may not initiate or implement a reduction in force or involuntary separations of employees in the competitive service, the career excepted service, or the Senior Executive Service, except for cause (i.e., for misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency). The bill clarifies that its provisions use definitions from federal civil service law and that the moratorium is in addition to other authorities governing adverse personnel actions. The act is titled the “Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act.”

Key Points

1Establishes a temporary reduction in force moratorium at NOAA until full-year FY2026 appropriations are enacted into law.
2Prohibits NOAA from initiating or implementing reductions in force or involuntary separations of competitive service, career excepted service, or Senior Executive Service employees, except for a for-cause determination (misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency).
3Applies to involuntary actions only; voluntary departures (if any) are not specified as prohibited, since the prohibition targets “involuntary separation.”
4Uses standard federal personnel classifications and authorities (competitive service, excepted service, Senior Executive Service) as defined in title 5 U.S.C., and states the moratorium sits alongside other adverse action authorities (e.g., Chapter 75).
5Short title and process: formally titled the Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act and introduced in the House on March 18, 2025 by Ms. Lofgren (for herself and Mr. Amo), with referrals to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: NOAA employees across competitive service, career excepted service, and the Senior Executive Service. The moratorium protects job security during funding uncertainty.Secondary group/area affected: NOAA management and operations, which may have reduced flexibility to restructure, right-size, or realign staff in response to budgetary constraints.Additional impacts: Could influence morale and planning during the 2025–2026 period; interacts with existing federal personnel laws and protections; may affect NOAA’s ability to respond to budget-driven changes or program shifts unless actions are taken for cause.

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