Senator Hirono Supports Legislation to Prevent Federal Layoffs During Government Shutdowns
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii has teamed up with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other colleagues to propose important legislation aimed at protecting federal employees during government shutdowns. The bill, named the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act, seeks to prevent layoffs while the government is unable to operate due to a lapse in appropriations.
Key Provisions of the SAFE Act
The SAFE Act will prohibit reductions in force (RIFs) during any government shutdown. It is essential to reverse any layoffs that may have occurred while the current shutdown is ongoing. This decision comes after reports indicated that the Office of Management and Budget had initiated plans to lay off thousands of federal workers amidst the shutdown. A federal judge has described these actions as “politically motivated.”
Impact of Layoffs
- An estimated 4,278 to 4,388 federal employees received RIF notices since early October.
- A federal court intervened temporarily to block these layoffs, highlighting the urgent need for protective legislation.
Under current law, federal agencies cannot legally conduct layoffs during a funding lapse. The SAFE Act aims to clarify that any layoffs initiated during such periods hold no legal standing, thus safeguarding federal employees from job loss in these critical times.
Support and Sponsorship
The SAFE Act has garnered significant backing from prominent labor organizations, including:
- AFL-CIO
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
- National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)
- Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
In addition to Hirono and Schumer, the bill is co-sponsored by several senators including:
- Mark Warner (D-Va.)
- Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
- Tim Kaine (D-Va.)
- Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.)
- Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)
- Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)
- Andy Kim (D-N.J.)
- Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
The introduction of the SAFE Act highlights a commitment to federal workers and the importance of job security, especially during turbulent governmental operations.
