The Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act lets federal agencies offer employees who are relocated for work-related reasons a single lump-sum payment instead of the itemized, multi-step reimbursement process now used for moving expenses, housing costs, and other relocation-related costs. The General Services Administration would write the rules for when agencies can offer the lump-sum option, how the amount is calculated, and how an employee can dispute the payment amount, including a formal appeal process through the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. This affects federal employees who are relocated in the interest of the government — for example, when reassigned to a different duty station — by giving agencies more flexibility in how they cover moving costs. Employees would gain a simpler payment option but retain the right to challenge the amount if they believe it does not adequately cover their relocation costs. The change is limited to internal federal personnel administration and does not affect the public directly.
Congressional Summary
Federal Relocation Payment Improvement ActThis bill permanently authorizes all federal agencies to pay employees' relocation expenses using lump-sum payments rather than reimbursements for expenses incurred. Under current law, several federal agencies currently participate in a pilot program that allows the agencies to pay relocation expenses using lump-sum payments rather than reimbursements. This bill expands the program by permanently authorizing all federal agencies to pay employees who relocate in the interest of the government a one-time, lump-sum relocation payment instead of any payment otherwise authorized or required for such purposes.The bill directs the General Services Administration to issue regulations to implement this bill, including regulations establishing (1) when agencies may authorize a one-time, lump sum payment under this bill or the payments otherwise authorized or required by law; (2) how agencies will calculate the lump-sum amount; and (3) the process for employees to dispute and appeal agency decisions.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-12-01
- Date Added
- 2026-07-18
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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