Congress May Grant Sweeping Powers to Restructure Federal Agencies
Buried in the latest Senate reconciliation bill is a proposal that could profoundly alter the federal civil service. The Reorganizing Government Act of 2025 would revive executive powers not seen since 1984—specifically, the ability for the president to close, merge, or eliminate federal agencies for the next 10 years without needing congressional approval.
The implications are massive. This change could allow for the dismantling of entire agencies—your agency—without the checks and balances typically required. Even more troubling, the bill includes a clause preventing future administrations from reinstating any agency that gets cut. In short: once it's gone, it's gone, unless Congress explicitly repeals the law.
How This Threatens Your Job Security and Due Process
Why does this matter to you as a federal employee? Because these powers could sidestep longstanding civil service protections. Currently, many Reduction in Force (RIF) efforts are being held up by court orders or statutory protections. If this bill passes, those protections could be overridden—turning back the clock on decades of employee safeguards.
Adding to the concern is the administration’s existing attempt to bypass these safeguards through litigation. Now, Congress may be handing them the legal cover they’ve lacked.
Other Provisions Undermining Civil Service Protections
This bill isn’t a one-off hit. It’s part of a broader effort that includes:
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A 14.4% Pension Tax
New federal hires may have to contribute an additional 14.4% of their salary just to retain standard due process rights. Want to work "at-will" with no protections? That drops to 9.4%. -
$350 MSPB Appeal Fee
Want to challenge a removal at the Merit Systems Protection Board? Prepare to pay $350 up front—and you’ll only get it back if you win. -
Union "User Fees"
Agencies could start withholding 10% of union dues and even charge unions rent for office space—measures designed to chip away at union infrastructure.
What You Can Do Right Now
These proposals aren’t final yet—but they’re close. Use Resist.bot or call your senators. Ask them to strip the Reorganizing Government Act from the bill and to oppose the pension penalty. Tag your colleagues and share this update widely. Collective action matters now more than ever.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.