MERIT Act

HR 1835 (MERIT Act) provides reinstatement or compensation to federal employees who were terminated during a specific mass layoff period (January 20, 2025, through the bill’s enactment date). Affected probationary employees - newly hired workers on a trial period or not yet permanent - can choose to return to a similar position with matching benefits or receive a lump-sum payment covering the pay difference between their terminated role and any new federal job they held during the layoff period. Agencies must notify affected employees within 30 days and offer reinstatement or payment within 90 days, with employees required to accept or decline within 30 days to avoid losing eligibility. The bill defines "mass termination" as 15+ separations in a 30-day period by a single agency.