Federal program buyout program a burden on tax payers

I am writing to voice my serious concerns about the Trump administration’s federal employee buyout program, which compensates approximately 75,000 federal workers with full pay until September 30, 2025, without requiring them to perform any services. As a taxpayer, I find this misuse of public funds deeply troubling, and I urge you to take swift action to stop this program. Under this initiative, employees who have accepted “deferred resignations” are receiving their regular salaries—averaging $90,000 annually—for up to eight months while not working. This arrangement deviates from traditional separation incentives, such as the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP), which limits payouts to $25,000. The potential cost to taxpayers could exceed $5 billion if all participants remain on the payroll through 2025. This is an unacceptable waste of resources, particularly when vital government services and infrastructure remain underfunded. Moreover, the program raises legal concerns. Its reliance on extended administrative leave lacks clear authorization and may violate the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from spending beyond appropriated funds—set to expire in mid-March 2025. This overreach undermines Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending. Beyond the immediate financial burden, this program sets a dangerous precedent. If allowed to stand, it could encourage future administrations to exploit taxpayer money for administrative or political purposes, eroding fiscal responsibility and public trust. I respectfully urge you to take the following actions: Investigate the program’s legality: Initiate a review to determine if the administration has exceeded its authority and violated federal law. Block further funding: Ensure that no additional taxpayer dollars are allocated to sustain this program in future budgets. Legislate protections: Support or introduce laws to prohibit extended paid leave without work in federal separation programs. As your constituent, I value transparency and accountability in government spending. Allowing this program to continue jeopardizes both. Please act promptly to protect taxpayer funds and uphold the integrity of our federal workforce. I look forward to your response and the steps you will take to address this pressing issue.