H.R.2207 - Saving DOE’s Workforce Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2207, the Saving DOE's Workforce Act, proposes a moratorium on reductions in force (RIF) at the Department of Energy (DOE) until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are enacted. The bill aims to prevent involuntary separations of DOE employees in the competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service, except in cases of misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 18, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be to halt any planned or potential RIFs at the DOE, providing job security for its employees. This could lead to greater stability within the department and potentially maintain expertise and institutional knowledge. However, it could also prevent the department from streamlining operations or reducing costs through workforce adjustments.
Potential Benefits
- Job Security: DOE employees would experience greater job security, reducing anxiety and potential disruptions to their careers.
- Maintain Expertise: Prevents loss of experienced personnel, ensuring continuity in critical projects and programs.
- Morale Boost: Could improve employee morale and productivity by removing the threat of layoffs.
- Avoid Disruption: Prevents disruption to ongoing projects and initiatives within the DOE.
- Potential for Improved Performance: Stable workforce may lead to better long-term planning and execution.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Flexibility: Limits the DOE's ability to adjust its workforce to changing priorities or budget constraints.
- Potential Inefficiency: May prevent the removal of underperforming employees who do not meet the threshold for "cause".
- Increased Costs: Could lead to higher personnel costs if the DOE is forced to retain unnecessary staff.
- Delayed Modernization: May hinder efforts to modernize the DOE workforce by preventing restructuring.
- Possible Stagnation: Lack of workforce turnover could stifle innovation and fresh perspectives.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, as it falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to provide for the general welfare and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The power to appropriate funds and set policy for government agencies is a core function of the legislative branch.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).