H.R.3136 - Protect our Public Health Workforce Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3136, the "Protect our Public Health Workforce Act," aims to reinstate employees who were involuntarily terminated from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between January 20, 2025, and the date of the Act's enactment. The bill mandates that these employees be offered their previous positions or equivalent roles with backpay. It also requires the CDC Director to submit regular reports to Congress detailing employee removals and dismissals, including the reasons for these actions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would lead to the reinstatement of certain CDC employees and potentially increase the CDC's operational capacity. The reporting requirements would also increase transparency regarding CDC staffing decisions. The bill's effect is limited by its sunset provision, terminating the reporting requirement in January 2029.
Potential Benefits
- Reinstatement of experienced public health professionals.
- Potential improvement in CDC's ability to respond to public health crises.
- Increased transparency in CDC staffing decisions through required reports.
- Financial compensation (backpay) for reinstated employees.
- May improve employee morale at the CDC.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending due to backpay and ongoing salaries.
- Possible disruption to CDC operations during the reinstatement process.
- Risk of reinstating employees who were terminated for legitimate performance issues (despite the 'without cause' clause).
- The sunset clause limits the long-term impact of the reporting requirements.
- Potential for legal challenges related to the definition of 'without cause'.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill's focus on public health can be interpreted as an effort to promote the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).