![]()
There is one important sentence in final 2018 government funding bill that you may not have heard about but could stymie efforts by the administration to unilaterally slash the federal workforce.
“None of the funds made available in this or any other appropriations Act may be used to increase, eliminate, or reduce funding for a program, project, or activity as proposed in the President’s budget request for a fiscal year until such proposed change is subsequently enacted in an appropriation Act, or unless such change is made pursuant to the reprogramming or transfer provisions of this or any other appropriations Act.”
Through budget cuts and reorganizations, the administration has a stated goal of eliminating certain federal programs, departments and jobs. This key sentence, included in the 2018 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law March 23, will make that process much more difficult.
Congress has reaffirmed its power of the purse and reminded the administration that the legislative branch has the final say when it comes to agency funding levels.
NTEU will continue to fight against any reorganizations or cuts that would harm federal employees and their agencies.