Dual Hatting Limitation Act of 2026

This legislation establishes new restrictions on federal officers and acting officers, prohibiting them from simultaneously performing the duties of more than one federal position. The bill amends existing statutes to ensure that key leadership roles are held by individuals fully dedicated to their primary responsibilities. This measure aims to enhance accountability and focus within the federal government by preventing the practice of "dual hatting" in critical positions. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Director of the Office of Personnel Management , the Special Counsel , the Director of the Office of Government Ethics , and the Archivist of the United States , including those serving in an acting capacity, cannot occupy or carry out the functions of any other federal position. Furthermore, it extends this prohibition to any individual, or acting individual, holding a position listed under Level I of the Executive Schedule . A crucial provision also prevents the President from directing an individual already serving in an acting capacity for one vacant office to perform the functions and duties of another vacant office temporarily.