DOI Workforce Act Stops All Layoffs Until FY 2026 Budget is Finalized

The “Saving the Department of the Interior’s Workforce Act” is pretty straightforward: it hits the pause button on mass layoffs at the Department of the Interior (DOI). This bill immediately imposes a moratorium—a hard stop—on the Secretary of the Interior initiating or carrying out any reduction in force (RIF) across all of the department’s agencies and bureaus. Think of a RIF as a widespread layoff, where people lose their jobs not because they did something wrong, but because of budget cuts or reorganization. This job security measure stays in effect until Congress passes the full-year budget for the DOI for Fiscal Year 2026.

Job Security Now: The Layoff Freeze

For the thousands of people working at the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other DOI agencies—the folks who manage our public lands, water resources, and wildlife—this bill is a huge stabilizer. It basically says, “Your job is safe from budget-driven cuts for at least the next year or two.” This is a big deal, especially when budget negotiations can drag on and create uncertainty. By linking the moratorium’s end to the final passage of the FY 2026 budget, the bill ensures the DOI workforce doesn't face involuntary separations due to financial limbo or pending restructuring (SEC. 2).

The 'For Cause' Exception: Accountability Still Applies

While this bill protects employees from mass layoffs, it doesn't give anyone a free pass. The Secretary still retains the full authority to fire employees “for cause.” This means if an employee is caught engaging in misconduct, is seriously delinquent, or is simply not performing their job adequately, they can still be let go. This exception applies to all types of federal employees—competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service career appointees—and operates alongside existing federal employee termination rules found in Chapter 75 of title 5, U.S. Code. In short, the bill blocks layoffs but preserves accountability for poor performance.

The Real-World Trade-Offs

For the average person, this stability means that services provided by the DOI—like park maintenance, resource management, and permitting—are less likely to be disrupted by sudden staff cuts. For example, a park ranger who manages trails or a scientist tracking endangered species won't be worried about a sudden RIF, allowing them to focus on their work. However, the bill does limit the Secretary’s management flexibility. If the DOI needs to quickly downsize or restructure due to legitimate efficiency needs before FY 2026, this moratorium prevents those actions. Taxpayers should note that while this provides necessary job stability, it could potentially delay the removal of underperforming staff who don't quite meet the stringent bar for 'for cause' termination, potentially keeping some dead weight on the payroll until the moratorium lifts.