Ranking Member Edward J. Markey has introduced the Save Our Staff (SOS) Act, aiming to prevent workforce reductions at the Small Business Administration (SBA). The proposed legislation would stop Reductions in Force (RIFs) in various SBA offices that provide essential services like counseling, training, and disaster relief programs. It also mandates the reemployment of individuals removed through RIFs since January 20, 2025.
The introduction of this bill follows a Supreme Court decision on July 8 that lifted an order blocking President Trump's executive directive for federal employee layoffs. Justice Jackson dissented, warning about potential harm from what she described as "an apparently unprecedented and congressionally unsanctioned dismantling of the Federal Government."
Markey criticized actions by Trump and SBA Administrator Loeffler, stating: "The Save Our Staff Act would prohibit staff firings in offices that provide counseling and assistance to small business entrepreneurs and stop the Trump administration from playing games with people’s businesses and livelihoods."
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing many SBA workers, supports the SOS Act. AFGE National President Everett B. Kelley stated: “This legislation is a lifeline for the dedicated public servants who make the SBA run.” He emphasized that cuts could jeopardize economic stability.
Currently, America's 34 million small businesses depend on SBA's services for growth and stability. Recently, Administrator Loeffler announced a significant reduction of 43 percent in SBA's workforce from its previous total of approximately 6,500 employees. Additionally, President Trump's budget proposal includes a $111 million cut to the agency's salaries and expenses.
