Legislation has just been brought before the Senate that would significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce and extend pay freezes.
The bill, dubbed the Federal Workforce Reduction and Reform Act, seeks to reduce through attrition the size of the federal workforce to 85% of its current size by 2022.
Overall, it’s expected to save the government $600 million dollars over 10 years.
To hit that mark, it would also extend the current two-year pay freeze on federal civilian employees’ salaries and bonuses by an additional three years, and reduce the annual federal travel budget by 75%.
“If the recent debate over the debt ceiling has shown anything, it’s that we need to make sure the federal government is forced to live within its means, just as small businesses and working families across the country are,” said Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in a recent statement touting the legislation.
Hatch introduced the bill, which was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Will it pass? It appears doubtful to make it out of the Senate as is.
But it may not die there. It could also make its way onto a list of proposals by Congress’ debt “super committee,” which has been tasked with recommending $1.2 trillion in federal spending cuts by November.
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