S.295 - Reducing the Federal Workforce Through Attrition Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.295, the "Reducing the Federal Workforce Through Attrition Act," aims to reduce the federal workforce by attrition. It mandates that the total number of federal employees should not exceed 90% of the September 30, 2025, level by fiscal year 2028. The bill also establishes a replacement rate of one new hire for every three employees who retire or leave government service during a specified period.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely lead to a smaller federal government workforce. This could result in reduced government spending and potentially increased efficiency. However, it may also lead to slower service delivery and potential strain on existing employees.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings for taxpayers through reduced salaries and benefits.
- Possible increase in efficiency as agencies may be forced to streamline processes.
- Could incentivize agencies to prioritize essential functions.
- May lead to a more agile and responsive federal workforce.
- Could encourage innovation as agencies seek to do more with less.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced government services and slower response times.
- Risk of losing experienced employees and institutional knowledge.
- Possible strain on remaining employees, leading to burnout.
- Difficulty in filling critical positions, especially in specialized fields.
- Could disproportionately impact certain agencies or regions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be constitutionally permissible under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, including managing the federal workforce. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections. However, potential challenges could arise if the reduction in workforce significantly impairs the government's ability to perform its constitutional duties.
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).