Bill > S662

This bill, named the "Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation Act of 2025" (MERIT Act of 2025), proposes significant changes to federal employee management and disciplinary procedures. The bill introduces a new framework for removing or disciplining federal employees based on performance or misconduct, making it easier for agencies to take adverse actions. Key provisions include extending probationary periods for federal employees from one to two years, modifying furlough procedures, creating new standards for evaluating employee misconduct, and establishing a process for recouping bonuses from employees who are found to have violated agency policies or laws. The bill also introduces more stringent requirements for performance evaluations, allows agencies to take action without first implementing a performance improvement plan, and reduces procedural protections for employees facing disciplinary actions. Additionally, the bill provides mechanisms for reducing retirement benefits for employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties and gives agencies more flexibility in addressing performance issues across different levels of federal employment, from entry-level positions to senior executive roles.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/662/all-info