Reduction in Force Review Act

Agencies must explain planned layoffs

If enacted, this bill would require federal agencies covered by Chapter 8 to include a detailed justification whenever a rule relates to a reduction in force. The justification would have to say the specific reasons for the layoff and the expected effects on employees and agency operations. Agencies would have to list alternatives they considered and explain why they rejected them. Agencies would have to summarize talks with affected employees and their representatives and describe impacts on agency employees who are veterans. The bill would also expand the definition of "rule" to cover major actions that substantially affect non-federal parties, like workforce restructuring or office closures. This would take effect upon enactment.