Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5479

Caption

A bill to implement a 5-year pilot program establishing a performance-based pay structure for certain Federal employees in order to enhance productivity, accountability, and employee satisfaction in public service.

Impact

If enacted, SB5479 would bring about a significant transformation in the compensation system for federal employees, particularly those classified in grades GS-11 through GS-15 and senior-level positions. The pay structure would categorize employees into three tiers based on their performance: those exceeding expectations could see a pay increase of up to 10%, while those not meeting expectations could face a 10% reduction in pay. This change is expected to foster a more performance-driven culture within the federal workforce, aligning compensation with appraisal systems rooted in measurable employee output and quality of work delivered.

Summary

SB5479, known as the Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act of 2024, proposes the establishment of a five-year pilot program aimed at creating a performance-based pay structure for certain federal employees. The objective of this legislation is to improve productivity, accountability, and overall employee satisfaction within public service. By implementing such a pay structure, the bill seeks to recognize and financially reward the performance of eligible employees, primarily those in senior-level positions, thereby incentivizing higher standards of performance across various executive agencies.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits cited by proponents, there are concerns surrounding the implementation of such a performance-based pay structure. Critics argue that it could lead to unhealthy competition among employees and undermine collaboration within teams. Additionally, there are apprehensions about how performance metrics will be defined and measured, with fears that they may not fully capture the complexity of federal work or the contributions of all employees. The bill allows agency heads to opt-out under certain conditions, which raises further questions about consistency in application and oversight throughout federal agencies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10411

To implement a 5-year pilot program establishing a performance-based pay structure for certain Federal employees in order to enhance productivity, accountability, and employee satisfaction in public service.

US SB359

Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act of 2025

US HB201

Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act of 2025

US HB10397

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for an alternative removal for performance or misconduct for Federal employees.

US HB200

Federal Freeze ActThis bill bars pay raises for federal employees for one year and requires reductions in the number of employees at each federal agency.The bill prohibits agencies from increasing the basic pay of any employee for one year after enactment. Also in that first year, the bill prohibits each federal agency from increasing the number of its employees beyond the number employed on the date of the bill's enactment, except that the agency may increase such number when making appointments to positions related to law enforcement, public safety, or national security.Additionally, the bill requires reductions in force such that within three years of the bill's enactment the number of employees at each agency is 5% lower than it was on the date of the bill's enactment.

US HB10053

STRAFE Act Stop Resistance Activities by Federal Employees Act

US SB5647

A bill to require Federal agencies to impose in-person work requirements for employees of those agencies and to occupy a certain portion of the office space of those agencies, and for other purposes.

US SB5526

A bill to establish a Federal Public Defender Commission, and for other purposes.

US HB236

Federal Employee Return to Work ActThis bill prohibits providing certain annual or locality-based pay increases to teleworking federal employees.Currently, federal law mandates annual adjustments to General Schedule (GS) pay rates according to (1) a formula based on the annual percentage change in the Employment Cost Index (a measure of labor costs in the private sector); and (2) the difference between public and private sector pay rates in an employee's locality, if that difference exceeds 5%. For example, in 2025, the default annual rate of pay for a GS-7 (step 1) employee is $49,960; the adjusted annual rate of pay for a GS-7 (step 1) employee in the locality pay area that includes Washington, DC, is $57,164. The bill makes executive agency employees who telework at least one day each week (or, in the case of an alternative work schedule, 20% or more each week) ineligible for these payments.The bill is effective on the first day of the fiscal year beginning after the bill's enactment.  

US HB36

MEGOBARI Act Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act

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