Chaffetz Praises Inclusion of Civil Service Reforms in NDAA

Administrative Leave Reform and Official Personnel File Enhancement Acts soon to become law

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) released the following statement after the Senate passed S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which includes two Chaffetz sponsored bills aimed at reforming how misconduct is handled within the federal workforce.

“I am pleased to see these commonsense solutions strengthening the integrity of our civil service on their way to becoming law. The vast majority of federal workers are honest, hardworking Americans who proudly serve their country. But, as in most large groups, there are some bad apples. Together, these bills will help curb costly and unfair abuses taken by misbehaving employees.”

Background:

• R. 4359, the Administrative Leave Reform Act  – Caps the use of administrative leave for cases of misconduct or performance at 10 days per calendar year and allows agencies to use investigative leave in extraordinary circumstances in 30 day increments. For any extensions of investigative leave after 90 days, a detailed report must be submitted to Congress every 30 days. Further, the bill prohibits agencies from leaving individuals on administrative leave indefinitely after all investigations are complete.

• R. 4360, the Official Personnel File Enhancement Act – Provides that an agency must record any adverse findings from a resolved investigation in a separated employee’s official personnel file.