Legislation introduced in the Senate this week would prohibit paying bonuses to federal employees who commit major infractions under their agency’s code of conduct.
The Stop Improper Federal Bonuses Act (S. 696) would also require federal employees who engage in egregious misconduct to repay their bonuses. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) sponsored the bill said it would end “wasteful federal bonuses.” It is being co-sponsored by Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Dean Heller (R-NV).
“It’s my duty to ensure Nebraskans’ hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely. Federal employees who have broken the law or who engage in serious misconduct should not receive bonus pay. Today, we continue our bipartisan push to end this ridiculous practice and root out waste in our government,” said Senator Fischer.
“This should be a cut-and-dried issue. If you’ve taken actions that could get you suspended, fired, or even thrown into jail, you shouldn’t get a bonus. This bill would help to protect taxpayer dollars from being used to pad the pockets of irresponsible government employees,” added Senator McCaskill.
Under the terms of the legislation, a federal agency would be prohibited from awarding a bonus to a federal employee for five years after an adverse finding that could have resulted in a long suspension, removal or jail time. It would also require the employee to repay any bonuses awarded for any year in which an adverse finding is made.
