A controversial provision tucked into the Senate budget bill would give President Donald Trump broad authority to lay off federal workers—without needing Congress’s approval—a move critics say could reshape the federal government and upend job protections for thousands of public employees.
The proposal, which allocates $100 million to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is being pushed by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. That office is now led by Russ Vought, a key architect of Project 2025—a plan that calls for sweeping cuts and restructuring of the federal workforce if Trump wins a second term.
Why It Matters
Ben Olinsky, senior vice president for Structural Reform and Governance at the Center for American Progress, warned the bill is “deeply, deeply concerning.” He said it could give Trump nearly unchecked power to downsize federal departments, eliminate programs, and fire large groups of employees without traditional checks and balances.
“This is exactly the kind of thing the president has been trying to do illegally,” Olinsky told Newsweek, referencing lawsuits filed by employees previously laid off under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The provision revives presidential reorganization powers last used in 1984—but with a major change: Congress would no longer get a say. Previously, lawmakers had a chance to review, approve, or block reorganization plans. Under the current proposal, if the president proposes a plan to make government smaller, it would be considered automatically approved, without any congressional review.
What’s in the Bill?
The provision appears in a section of the Senate’s version of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which already passed the House. It allows the president to reorganize the federal government as long as the changes don’t increase the number of agencies or overall spending.
Supporters argue this gives the president needed flexibility. One backer said, “Any president should have the ability to clear the waste he or she has identified without obstruction.”
However, critics argue that giving one person unchecked power over the size and shape of the government poses serious constitutional and legal risks.
Project 2025 and Its Impact
Project 2025—a policy roadmap crafted by Trump allies—calls for eliminating protections for many federal workers and empowering the president to fire so-called “ideologically entrenched” employees. Its authors argue that the federal workforce is biased and out of step with the American public.
Olinsky pointed out that under the new Senate proposal, workers laid off under such a reorganization would have little to no legal recourse. Only if the mass layoffs led to a complete failure of government enforcement—such as eliminating all staff overseeing labor protections—could a legal challenge potentially succeed.
He warned the measure would shatter trust in federal employment and drive talented Americans away from public service.
Legal and Political Challenges
Olinsky said there’s a chance the Senate parliamentarian could rule the provision violates the Byrd Rule, which limits what can be included in budget reconciliation bills. Provisions must deal primarily with spending or revenue. Whether this one qualifies is still an open question.
The House version of the bill does not include this language, so any challenge would need to come from within the Senate.
Critics also argue the provision undermines Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and oversight, consolidating too much power in the executive branch.
What People Are Saying
Ben Olinsky, Center for American Progress:
“This would basically give [Trump] carte blanche to refashion the entire federal government in ways that he likes… stifling functions of government he just doesn’t like. This should be deeply, deeply concerning to anyone.”
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
“This provision would reestablish the authority for a president to reorganize government, as long as these plans do not result in an increase in federal agencies or federal spending.”
Critics warn that many of Trump’s executive actions are already implementing parts of Project 2025—and in some cases, going beyond what it calls for.
With lawsuits still pending from earlier DOGE layoffs and a growing chorus of concern from federal worker advocates, this provision could become one of the most consequential elements of the current budget debate.
What Happens Next
If the provision survives in the Senate version of the bill, it could move forward regardless of House opposition, since the House cannot challenge it under the Byrd Rule.
The future of the federal workforce—and the limits of presidential power—may soon be tested.
