Frank Wolf: “I rise in support of H.R. 3345, the Federal Workforce Restructuring Act. First, let me applaud the committee for putting…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3345, the Federal Workforce Restructuring Act. First, let me applaud the committee for putting together a responsible and fair package of buyouts for Federal employees. Buyouts are by far the fair way to reduce Federal personnel. Downsizing is always painful; however, this legislation will give employees security, and will help preserve morale. Moreover, buyouts are preferable to reductions-in-force because of the tremendous personal and real costs that are associated with RIF's. RIF's require substantial up front severance pay costs, buyouts don't. RIF's leave families guessing from where the next paycheck is coming, buyouts don't. For these reasons, I am supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, while I support the buyout option, I believe the Congress must be on guard about the full ramifications of the Vice President's National Performance Review. The Clinton administration has not prioritized the functions of Government which desperately needs to be done. Furthermore, I am concerned that the Vice President's National Partnership Council is recommending that Federal employees be required to pay union dues even though they are not union members. This is unfair and should not occur. In actuality, this would be a tax increase on Federal employees who do not want to be compelled to pay dues when they are not union members.”