New Act Grants President Power to Slash Federal Jobs, Regulations, and Programs by 2026

Alright, let's talk about the Reorganizing Government Act of 2025. This isn't your average tweak to a government form; this bill hands the President some serious new tools to reshape how the federal government operates, and it’s got implications for everyone, from federal workers to small business owners and even how we interact with public services.

The Executive Branch's New Blueprint

At its core, this bill updates Chapter 9 of Title 5, U.S. Code, which is basically the rulebook for presidential reorganization plans. Think of it like a company CEO getting new authority to restructure departments, merge teams, or even shut down entire divisions. The big news here is that the President can now propose reorganizations with three new objectives: reducing the number of federal employees, cutting down on rules and regulations to lower compliance costs, and getting rid of government operations that, in their view, "do not serve the public interest." This isn't just about shuffling papers; it’s about potentially reducing the actual number of people working for the federal government and changing how agencies function.

What's On the Chopping Block?

One of the most eye-catching changes is the removal of a previous restriction that stopped reorganization plans from abolishing an enforcement function or a statutory program. Before this, there were certain things the President couldn't touch. Now, those guardrails are gone. This means that programs designed to enforce environmental protections, consumer safety, or even financial regulations could theoretically be on the table for elimination or significant alteration. Imagine you're a small business owner dealing with specific regulations; this bill could mean those rules get simplified or disappear, which sounds great on paper. But if you're a consumer relying on those same regulations for product safety, it could be a different story. The bill also broadens the definition of an "executive department" to include pretty much any part of the executive branch, from agencies to government corporations, giving the President a much wider scope for these changes.

The Fine Print: No More, No Less… Maybe?

Now, there's a catch: the bill explicitly states that a reorganization plan "cannot result in a net increase in the number of Federal workers or a net increase in expenditures." So, while the President can cut jobs and programs, they can't use this as an excuse to grow the government. This is a crucial detail for taxpayers and those worried about ballooning federal budgets. However, it doesn't prevent a significant shift in resources or priorities. You could have fewer people working on one thing and more on another, as long as the overall numbers stay steady or go down. The President's authority to propose these plans, and the entire chapter governing them, is also extended until December 31, 2026, meaning this isn't a one-off power but a sustained ability to reshape the government.

Who Feels It Most?

So, who's going to feel this? First, federal employees. If the goal is to reduce the number of federal employees, that means job security for many could be impacted. If you're a federal worker, or someone whose family relies on a federal salary, this is a direct hit. Second, citizens who rely on specific government services or programs. If a program is deemed not to serve the "public interest"—a pretty broad term, honestly—it could be on the chopping block. Think about things like specific agricultural support programs, local environmental initiatives, or even certain educational grants. What one administration considers "public interest" another might not. Lastly, advocates for robust regulatory enforcement might find their work cut out for them, as the bill removes the specific protection for enforcement functions. While the idea of a more efficient, less bureaucratic government sounds good, the devil, as always, is in the details of how these new powers are actually used.