S.Amdt. 2519

As your legislative analyst, let us look straight at what Mr. Kaine's amendment tries to do for the people. Put simply, this amendment puts a hard pause on spending the money provided in the bill until the head of each agency makes a formal certification to Congress.

Here is what those officials must certify before any money can be spent:

• They have stopped any mass layoff, which the text defines as firing more than 1 percent of an agency's employees.

• They are not carrying out a reduction in force plan.

• They are not violating the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 or the Antideficiency Act.

In addition to these certifications, the amendment adds a reporting requirement. The Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report to Congress addressing the legal authority and mission impacts of any agency reduction in force, mass termination, coerced resignations, or any firings or placements on administrative leave for alleged insubordination that happen on or after January 20, 2025.