Bill > S2596

This bill, known as the "Saving the Forest Service's Workforce Act," establishes a moratorium on workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are enacted. During this period, the Secretary of Agriculture (through the Chief of the Forest Service) is prohibited from initiating or implementing any reduction in force or conducting involuntary separations of employees in the competitive service, excepted service, or Senior Executive Service. The only exceptions to this moratorium would be terminations for cause related to misconduct, delinquency, or performance. The bill defines these service categories using standard federal employment classifications from Title 5 of the United States Code, and the moratorium is intended to be in addition to existing protections for federal employees regarding adverse personnel actions. Essentially, this legislation aims to provide job security for Forest Service employees during a specified budgetary period by preventing widespread layoffs or involuntary separations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2596/all-info