This bill establishes a prohibition against Executive agencies from implementing a reduction in force (RIF) or any similar effort to reduce employee numbers during a period when there is a lapse in appropriations , commonly known as a government shutdown. It explicitly states that no funds made available by any Act may be used to propose, initiate, or execute such actions during these periods. Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that any RIF or similar effort carried out in violation of this prohibition, including those occurring between October 1, 2025, and the bill's enactment date, shall have no force or effect . This provision provides a retroactive remedy for affected federal employees. The bill clarifies that it does not impact voluntary separation payments offered to employees and takes effect as if enacted on September 30, 2025.