Bill · H.R. 200· House(119-HR-200)
Federal Freeze Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Sponsored by
- Claudia Tenney
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Federal Freeze Act" seeks to impose restrictions on how Federal agencies handle hiring and pay. For one year starting from the date of enactment, agency heads are generally prohibited from increasing the number of employees beyond a specific baseline number. However, exceptions are allowed if the appointment serves law enforcement, public safety, or national security. Additionally, the bill prohibits any increases to the annual rate of basic pay for employees. Finally, agencies must take steps to reduce their total workforce by 2 percent after two years and by 5 percent after three years.
Yes
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+5
The bill reduces government spending by mandating a workforce reduction of up to 5 percent over three years.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would union members be better off under this?-8
The bill limits wage increases and mandates workforce reductions through reductions in force.
Is this likely to create jobs?-7
The bill prohibits increasing the number of employees beyond a baseline for the first year.
Does this give the federal government more power?-3
The bill restricts the autonomy of agency heads regarding hiring and salary adjustments.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Control over agency size: Agency heads may appoint new individuals even if it exceeds the baseline number if it serves the interest of law enforcement, publics safety, or national security. (Section 2(b)(1)(B))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Frozen wages: The annual rate of basic pay for an employee cannot be increased. (Section 2(b)(2))
-
Workforce reductions: Agency heads must ensure the number of employees is 2 percent less than the baseline after two years and 5 percent less than the baseline after three years. (Section 2(c))
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Hiring restrictions: Agency heads are prohibited from increasing the number of employees beyond the baseline number during the first year, except for specific safety or security reasons. (Section 2(b)(1)(A))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers-8Good For Middle Class Households-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power-3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+5Increases Job Creation-7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-2
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.