Federal employees who commit major infractions under an agency’s code of conduct would be ineligible for bonuses under bipartisan legislation reintroduced by U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Dean Heller (R-NV) on Wednesday.
The Stop Improper Federal Bonuses Act would establish a five-year period in which a federal employee would be ineligible for bonuses after an adverse finding that could result in their suspension, removal or incarceration.
“It’s my duty to ensure Nebraskans’ hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely,” Fischer said. “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.”
Federal employees also would be required to repay any bonuses received in a year in which an adverse finding is made under the bill.
“Currently, certain federal employees who have violated the law or agency rules are eligible for bonuses, which includes IRS employees with conduct violations,” Heller said. “This is unacceptable, and it’s time to end the status quo. Our bipartisan legislation will work to protect taxpayer dollars, demand accountability from the federal government, and send a message that government employees are not above the law.”
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), who introduced the bipartisan bill with Fischer and Heller, said the measure would prevent taxpayer dollars from “being used to pad the pockets of irresponsible government employees.