Senator Tim Kaine is urging federal employees to think twice before accepting a new buyout offer from the Trump administration, warning that the plan could have serious consequences for workers and government operations.
The administration’s proposal offers federal employees a lump-sum payment equivalent to more than seven months’ salary if they resign by February 6, 2025. While framed as a voluntary workforce reduction, Kaine and other critics see it as a drastic attempt to shrink the federal government without proper oversight or concern for long-term impacts.
“If you get an offer, I strongly encourage you not to sign it,” Kaine stated, raising concerns that the plan may not even be legal. He has questioned whether the administration has the authority to implement such a sweeping buyout and warned that it could leave employees vulnerable to financial uncertainty.
Kaine also highlighted the broader risks of the buyout, emphasizing that a mass exodus of experienced federal workers could weaken essential government services. He has called on Congress to closely examine the plan and ensure that federal employees are not being pressured into making decisions that could negatively impact their careers, retirement benefits, or livelihoods.
In addition to his warnings to workers, Kaine is urging labor unions, legal experts, and advocacy groups to push back against the initiative. He argues that the administration must be held accountable for how it handles the federal workforce and that any efforts to restructure government jobs should involve transparency, fairness, and respect for workers’ rights.
As the February deadline approaches, Kaine remains a leading voice of opposition, encouraging federal employees to stay informed and seek legal guidance before making any decisions about their employment.
