Keep USGS Strong Act

HR 4791, the Keep USGS Strong Act, prevents the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from facing hiring freezes, staff cuts, or lease cancellations without approval, specifically exempting it from a January 2025 presidential hiring freeze and related restrictions. This protects USGS employees and operations when Congress has appropriated funds for their salaries and expenses. The bill directly affects USGS staff and its ability to maintain ongoing scientific work critical to monitoring natural hazards, water resources, ecosystems, and geospatial data used by communities and agencies nationwide. It ensures continuity in the USGS’s essential data collection and research, which supports public safety, environmental management, and informed decision-making.