S.Amdt. 2453

Mr. Schiff, along with Mr. Bennet, submitted amendment SA 2453 to the bill H.R. 1. If we want to hold our officials accountable, we need to know what they are trying to change. This amendment aims to add a strict rule about how government money can be spent.

What the Amendment Changes

• Prohibition on Funds: The amendment stops any funds made available by the bill from being used until a specific condition is met.

• Rehiring Requirement: The Secretary of Agriculture must first certify that every covered individual is employed with the Forest Service.

• Definition of Covered Individual: A covered individual is someone separated from Federal service between January 20, 2025, and the date the Act is enacted as part of a mass removal of Federal employees, and who was employed with the Forest Service at the time.

• Exceptions for Rehiring: If a covered individual declines employment or is unavailable, the Secretary can instead certify that another qualified individual is employed with the Forest Service.

• Direct Hiring Authority: To make this happen, the Secretary is given the power to noncompetitively appoint qualified individuals to positions in the Forest Service.