The Federal Freeze Act would impose a nationwide, time-limited cap on federal hiring and salaries, paired with a statutory plan to reduce agency workforces. For one year after enactment, agencies could not hire to exceed their baseline headcount (the number of employees at the date of enactment), with a narrow exception for appointments that serve national security, law enforcement, or public safety. At the same time, the bill freezes the annual pay for federal employees. Beyond the first year, agencies are required to reduce their total staff: 2 percent below baseline by year two, and 5 percent below baseline by year three. The reductions would be pursued “without regard to any other provision of law or regulation,” signaling a streamlined approach to staffing cuts. The bill is introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Tenney and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Key Points
- 1Definitions: An “agency” follows the standard 5 U.S.C. 551 definition; “baseline number” is the agency’s total current workforce at enactment; “employee” means someone employed by the agency.
- 2Hiring cap (first year): Agencies may not grow their headcount beyond the baseline, except that an appointment can occur if it serves law enforcement, public safety, or national security.
- 3Pay freeze (first year): The annual basic pay of federal employees cannot be increased during the first year.
- 4Workforce reductions (years 2-3): Agencies must achieve a 2 percent reduction below baseline by year two, and a 5 percent reduction below baseline by year three.
- 5Enforcement mechanism: Reductions and related actions can be carried out “without regard to any other provision of law or regulation,” signaling a streamlined or expedited approach to downsizing.