the Appropriations Compliance and Training Act

Annual appropriations training for federal staff

Covered federal employees would need to complete yearly appropriations‑law training. Covered roles would include GS‑11 or higher, Senior Executive Service, and certain political appointees. Current staff would have 1 year after enactment; new appointees would have 60 days, with annual refreshers. Agencies could use GAO’s course or an OMB‑ and Comptroller General‑approved course that covers the Constitution’s spending rules, the Purpose Statute, the Antideficiency Act, the bona fide needs rule, the Impoundment Control Act, the current year’s appropriation act, and penalties. Agency heads would choose an approved course and ensure completion, record completion in personnel files, and report completions to OMB. After 45 days late, employees would lose budget‑execution authority, be ineligible for bonuses or pay raises, and get a noncompliance note in their personnel file. After 60 days late, their IT and network access, including email and financial systems, would be suspended until training is done. OPM would issue guidance and a provider list within 90 days, agencies would submit plans to OMB within 120 days, and agencies would post compliance rates within 1 year and yearly after.