PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Mar 18, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 29, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Competitive Service Act of 2015
(Sec. 2) This bill authorizes an appointing authority (i.e., a federal agency appointing an individual to a position in the competitive service), other than the appointing authority that requested a certificate of eligibles for filling a position, to select an individual from that certificate for appointment to a position that is: (1) in the same occupational series as the position for which the certificate of eligibles was issued, and (2) at a similar grade level as the original position. The appointing authority must select an individual from the certificate of eligibles within 240 days after the issuance of the certificate. The bill sets forth further requirements relating to the sharing of certificates by agencies, notice to agency employees of available positions, and alternative ranking and selection procedures for job applicants.
People & committees
Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT] · D–MT
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 114-137.
Became Public Law No: 114-137.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to House amendment to the Senate bill by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1349)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to House amendment to the Senate bill by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S1349)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1031-1032)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H1031-1032)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1580.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1031-1033)
Mr. Hice, Jody B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 280.
Reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 114-367.
Reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 114-367.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6819; text as passed Senate: CR S6819)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S6819; text as passed Senate: CR S6819)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 228.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 114-143.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 114-143.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.1580 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.1580 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.1580 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.1580 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.