NARFE supports the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act, introduced by Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-MD. This legislation would prohibit the federal government from permanently dismissing federal employees during a government shutdown due to a lapse in funding.  

Historically, during a government shutdown, non-essential federal employees impacted by a lapse in congressional funding authorization are furloughed until Congress reaches an agreement on the budget. Unfortunately, ahead of a potential shutdown on October 1, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed agencies to consider Reduction in Force (RIF) notices for all employees in programs, projects, or activities (PPAs) that are impacted by the funding lapse where “the PPA is not consistent with the President’s priorities.” On October 10, the Administration began issuing RIF notices, which have since been paused by courts. 

The SAFE Act would protect federal employees from termination due to a government shutdown, preventing them from being used as pawns in larger political disputes.  

Please use the sample letter on NARFE’s LAC to urge your members of Congress to support federal employment protections under the SAFE Act. If your lawmakers are already cosponsors, the system will prompt you to send a thank you letter instead. 
 
Personalized and unique messages are more effective in influencing a legislator's perspective. Please add a few sentences to this letter about how this legislation would affect you or the greater federal community.