H.R.2211 - Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2211, the "Saving NOAA's Workforce Act," proposes a moratorium on reductions in force (RIF) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are enacted. The bill aims to prevent involuntary separations of NOAA employees, except in cases of misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency. It was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and on Science, Space, and Technology.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would temporarily prevent NOAA from implementing RIFs or conducting involuntary separations of its employees. This would provide job security for NOAA staff during the specified period. The practical effect is to maintain current staffing levels at NOAA until the fiscal year 2026 appropriations are finalized.
Potential Benefits
- Job Security: NOAA employees would have increased job security during the moratorium period.
- Continuity of Operations: Prevents disruption of NOAA's operations due to staff reductions.
- Employee Morale: Could improve employee morale by reducing anxiety about potential job losses.
- Preservation of Expertise: Retains experienced personnel within NOAA.
- Supports Scientific Research: Ensures continued staffing for critical research and data collection efforts.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Inefficiency: May prevent NOAA from streamlining operations or addressing performance issues through RIFs.
- Budgetary Constraints: Could limit NOAA's flexibility in managing its budget and resources.
- Delayed Modernization: May hinder efforts to modernize the workforce by preventing necessary restructuring.
- Taxpayer Burden: Could result in maintaining unnecessary positions, increasing the burden on taxpayers.
- Hinders Agency Goals: May prevent the agency from meeting its goals if workforce adjustments are needed.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, as it pertains to the legislative power of Congress to appropriate funds and set policy for government agencies (Article I, Section 8). There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties as defined by the Bill of Rights. The bill does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provisions.
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).