Limitation on reductions in force

(a) Definitions In this section, the terms agency and covered lapse in appropriations have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a). (b) Prohibition During the covered lapse in appropriations, none of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to— (1) propose or implement a reduction in force, or any similar effort, to permanently reduce the number of employees employed by an agency; or (2) place any employee of an agency in administrative leave for more than 10 work days in any calendar year. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to affect a voluntary separation payment offered to an employee under section 3523 of title 5, United States Code.