Bill > HR3468

This bill requires the heads of five specific federal agencies (Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Housing and Urban Development) to obtain Congressional approval before implementing significant staffing cuts or field office closures. Specifically, agency heads must certify to Congress that any planned staffing reductions over 5% or field office closures over 5% in a single year will not negatively impact service delivery, benefits processing, or public assistance. They must submit a detailed report explaining how they will maintain service levels and prevent potential negative consequences such as increased wait times, reduced benefits processing, or diminished outreach efforts. Additionally, the bill requires the respective Inspector General for each agency to conduct a study within a year of implementation to verify that services have not been adversely affected. If the Inspector General determines that services have been negatively impacted, the agency must reverse the staffing cuts or office closures, including reinstating laid-off staff and reopening closed field offices. The bill aims to protect the ability of these agencies to provide essential services to the public and ensure that budget or structural changes do not compromise their core functions or the support they provide to beneficiaries.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3468/all-info