hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
A study of how federal job cuts impact state and local budgets.
Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) and 9 cosponsors.
Introduced, referred to House Oversight Committee.
This bill doesn't change any programs directly. It orders the Government Accountability Office to study how federal layoffs (RIFs) affect state and local budgets, services, and economies. Rep. McClain Delaney is a Democrat from Maryland, a state with many federal workers. The bill is in the early stages, awaiting committee action.
Introduced Feb 11, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
The bill itself doesn't create new programs or funding. Its impact depends on whether Congress acts on the study's recommendations. The study could highlight which states are most vulnerable, potentially leading to new federal support for unemployment, Medicaid, or retraining programs. Without follow-up legislation, the study is just a report.
Supporters Say
Supporters say understanding the fiscal fallout of federal layoffs is necessary to help states avoid budget crises and protect essential services.
Critics Say
Critics argue the study is unnecessary or could slow down needed workforce reductions by focusing on local impacts instead of agency efficiency.
Supporters note that large federal layoffs can strain state budgets, especially in areas with many federal workers. Critics might worry that the study could be used to argue against any RIFs, even when they improve efficiency. The bill's requirement to analyze whether RIFs improved efficiency aims to balance both concerns.