To prohibit certain removals of employees of the Department of Health and Human Services and sub-agencies and operating divisions thereof, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2532
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to protect employees of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its sub-agencies or operating divisions from large-scale removals by prohibiting the use of federal funds for such actions. It seeks to prevent rapid workforce reductions that could disrupt agency operations.
Key Provisions
- Funding Restriction: No federal money can be used to remove employees from HHS or its sub-agencies/divisions through any agency action, including reductions in force (a formal process for layoffs under federal law) or reorganizations.
- Threshold for Prohibition:
- Applies if the action removes 3% or more of HHS's total employees within a 60-day period.
- Also applies if it removes 3% or more of employees in each sub-agency or operating division within a 60-day period.
- The bill was introduced on April 1, 2025, and referred to multiple House committees (Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources) for review.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new congressional limit on executive branch authority to downsize HHS staff, tying it directly to federal funding restrictions.
- Does not alter the basic rules for employee removals under Title 5 of the U.S. Code (which governs federal personnel), but adds a fiscal barrier to prevent actions exceeding the 3% threshold in 60 days.
- Previously, agency heads had broader discretion for reorganizations or layoffs, subject to budget approvals; this bill shifts some control to Congress via appropriations oversight.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: HHS and its sub-agencies (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration) may face delays or barriers to workforce reductions, potentially stabilizing operations but limiting flexibility for efficiency or policy-driven changes.
- On Citizens: Could ensure continuity in public health services, benefit programs (like Medicare/Medicaid), and regulatory functions, reducing risks of service disruptions from sudden staff cuts. Indirectly benefits those relying on HHS programs by maintaining expertise.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts mentioned; HHS's global health roles (e.g., pandemic response) might indirectly benefit from workforce stability, but the bill focuses domestically.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- HHS Employees: Primary beneficiaries, as the bill shields them from mass removals, potentially preserving jobs and job security.
- HHS Leadership and Sub-Agencies: Agency heads may have reduced ability to implement staff changes, affecting operational planning.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Congress gains leverage over executive actions through funding controls; taxpayers could see varied effects, such as sustained agency costs versus protected public services.
- Beneficiaries of HHS Programs: Individuals and groups receiving health, food safety, or social services support, who might experience fewer disruptions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates enforceable limits via appropriations (Congress's power of the purse), potentially leading to court challenges if agencies attempt workarounds. Relies on existing federal personnel laws but adds specificity to prevent "agency actions" like reorganizations.
- Constitutional: Touches on separation of powers, as it curbs executive discretion over personnel while affirming Congress's role in funding; could be seen as protecting civil service protections under the Constitution's Appointments Clause.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (mix of Democrats and some Republicans) suggests appeal across aisles for workforce stability, but may spark debates on government efficiency versus job protections in a politically divided Congress. If passed, it could set precedents for similar restrictions on other agencies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
Cosponsors (38)
Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-04-01: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-01: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To prohibit certain removals of employees of the Department of Health and Human Services and sub-agencies and operating divisions thereof, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-01 — PDF (2 pages)