New Bill Blocks Layoffs at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Until FY2026 Funding is Set

NIST Gets a Job Security Shield

This straightforward bill, the "Saving NIST’s Workforce Act," puts a temporary halt on layoffs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Specifically, Section 2 prohibits NIST from initiating any reduction in force (RIF) or involuntary separations until Congress sorts out the agency's full funding for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2025 (FY2026). The goal is clear: keep the NIST team intact and focused on their work, which ranges from cybersecurity standards to advanced manufacturing research, without the looming threat of budget-related job cuts.

This protection covers most federal employees at NIST – those in competitive service, excepted service, and even career appointees in the Senior Executive Service. Think of the scientists developing precise measurement tools or the engineers testing building materials; this act aims to give them stability. If you're working on a multi-year project defining standards for AI or quantum computing, this moratorium means you're less likely to see your team dismantled due to temporary funding squabbles.

The Fine Print: Exceptions Apply

It's important to note this isn't a blanket immunity from being let go. The bill explicitly states the layoff ban doesn't apply in cases of "misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency." So, performance issues or breaking rules can still lead to termination – the bill specifically targets funding-driven layoffs. While providing significant job security for the workforce, this does mean NIST management has slightly less flexibility to restructure solely for efficiency reasons if that restructuring would involve layoffs not related to misconduct or poor performance, at least until the FY2026 funding is finalized. Essentially, it prioritizes workforce stability over immediate, potentially disruptive, personnel adjustments during this period.