REHIRE Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3093
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Last Updated: 2026-03-04T09:06:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The REHIRE Act aims to protect certain career federal employees who are involuntarily removed from their positions by granting them temporary hiring preferences for future federal jobs. This is intended to facilitate their reemployment in the civil service, particularly in response to potential large-scale removals during a specific two-year period.

Key Provisions

Eligibility for Preference: Federal employees involuntarily removed from the civil service (defined as non-political, career positions in the executive branch) between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2027, are automatically considered "preference eligible." This status applies to appointments in the competitive service (the main category of federal jobs filled through merit-based exams and processes).
Additional Benefits: These eligible individuals receive 5 extra points added to their score on federal hiring exams or ratings, as outlined in section 3309 of title 5 of the U.S. Code (which governs veterans' preferences but is extended here).
Exclusions:
Does not apply to removals from political positions (e.g., high-level executive roles like those on the Executive Schedule, noncareer appointees, or confidential/policy positions under Schedule C).
Excludes individuals removed for documented misconduct, delinquency, or whose most recent performance review was unacceptable or below fully successful (with clear documentation required).
Duration: The hiring preference authority lasts for 5 years after the bill's enactment.
Definitions: Key terms like "civil service," "competitive service," "political position," and "preference eligible" are defined by referencing existing sections of title 5 of the U.S. Code and federal regulations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces a new, temporary category of hiring preference specifically for involuntarily removed career employees, expanding beyond traditional preferences (e.g., for veterans or disabled persons under 5 U.S.C. § 3309 and § 2108).
Modifies hiring processes in the competitive service by mandating these preferences without requiring new legislation for each case, but limits it to a narrow time frame and set of circumstances.
No changes to removal procedures themselves, but adds reemployment incentives post-removal.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Federal agencies (e.g., executive branch departments) must prioritize these preference-eligible candidates in hiring, potentially speeding up rehiring of experienced staff but increasing administrative burdens in scoring and documentation during the 5-year window.
On Citizens: Primarily benefits affected former federal employees by improving their chances of returning to stable government jobs, which could reduce economic hardship for those impacted. It may indirectly stabilize the federal workforce, ensuring continuity in public services.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic federal employment.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Involuntarily Removed Career Federal Employees: Primary beneficiaries, gaining a competitive edge in rehiring (estimated to affect those removed in 2025–2027, potentially thousands if large-scale reductions occur).
Federal Agencies and Hiring Officials: Must implement the preferences, affecting recruitment in competitive service positions across the executive branch.
Congress and Oversight Bodies: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, indicating scrutiny from lawmakers focused on civil service integrity.
Political Appointees and Agency Leaders: Indirectly affected, as exclusions protect against preferences for political removals, potentially limiting turnover in noncareer roles.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Aligns with civil service protections under title 5 of the U.S. Code by promoting merit-based rehiring, but requires agencies to document exclusions carefully to avoid legal challenges (e.g., discrimination claims). The 5-year expiration provides a built-in sunset to prevent indefinite expansion of preferences.
Constitutional: Supports the merit system principle in Article II (executive authority over federal employees) without infringing on it, as it targets career (not political) positions and avoids due process violations by excluding misconduct cases.
Political: Could be viewed as a safeguard against politically motivated mass firings (e.g., in a new administration), sparking debate over civil service independence versus executive flexibility in workforce management. Introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, it may face opposition from those favoring broader removal powers.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

Cosponsors (24)

Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]

Recent Actions

2025-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
2025-04-30: Introduced in House
2025-04-30: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Restoring Employment and Hiring Incentives for Removed Employees Act — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)