Congress Proposes Extending Federal Employee Probation to Two Years to Improve Workforce Quality
The EQUALS Act of 2025 has been reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and is now on the Union Calendar as of April 8, 2026. The bill is currently stalled because it needs a vote from the full House of Representatives to move forward. No further action has taken place since April 8, 2026.
No action since April 2026
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This bill would double the probationary period for most new federal hires from 1 year to 2 years. During this extended period, employees can be fired much more easily — without the full "due process" protections that permanent employees enjoy. Agencies would also be required to actively certify that each employee deserves to stay, or else the worker is automatically terminated at the end of probation. This creates significant new job insecurity for anyone entering federal service, as they would spend twice as long in a vulnerable position before earning full civil service protections.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 524.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-604.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 19.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The House Oversight Committee voted 24-19 to advance the EQUALS Act (H.R. 5750), which would double federal probationary periods to two years. Democrats warned the extension could be weaponized to purge early-career employees based on political affiliation or subjective criteria.
A Republican-led House committee advanced H.R. 5750, a bill that would double the probationary period for new federal hires from one to two years. Supporters argue the extension gives management more time to assess competence, while opponents fear it reduces job security for new workers.
House Republicans' EQUALS Act would require most new federal employees to serve a two-year probationary period before becoming tenured. The bill also mandates that agency heads affirmatively certify a worker's performance before they can be converted to permanent status.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
EQUALS Act of 2025
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