Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Reduction in Force Review Act
A Democratic bill with 8 Democratic cosponsors · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the "Reduction in Force Review Act." It aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code to ensure that rules regarding a reduction in force are subject to review under chapter 8 of that title. The act would require federal agencies to provide a detailed justification for such reductions. This justification must include the reasons for the force reduction, its anticipated impact, considered alternatives, and summaries of consultations with affected employees and their representatives. Additionally, it requires a summary of how the reduction will impact veteran employees.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requires agencies to provide detailed justifications and alternatives for workforce reductions.
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Specifically requires an analysis of how reductions in force impact veteran employees.
- Scored +4
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Increases procedural oversight and accountability for federal employees facing job losses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency and Accountability: Section 2(1)(A)(iv) requires agencies to provide specific reasons for a reduction in force and the alternatives they considered, which holds officials accountable for their decisions.
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Employee Protections: Section 2(1)(A)(iv)(IV) requires a summary of consultations with affected employees and their representatives, ensuring that those impacted by job losses are included in the process.
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Support for Veterans: Section 2(1)(A)(iv)(V) specifically requires a summary of how a reduction in force will impact employees who are veterans, providing targeted visibility for this group.
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Broader Oversight: Section 2(2)(B)(ii) expands the definition of a "rule" to include significant actions like workforce restructuring or office closures that materially impact employees or operations, bringing more agency actions under review.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires agencies to provide detailed justifications and alternatives for workforce reductions. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Increases procedural oversight and accountability for federal employees facing job losses.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Specifically requires an analysis of how reductions in force impact veteran employees. Would union members be better off under this? — Ensures consultations with representatives of affected employees during workforce restructuring.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — Requires consultations with employee representatives during reduction in force processes.
- 5/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia