The ZIPPO Act freezes all personnel activity at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which is the government agency responsible for international broadcasting and media programs like Voice of America. Under this bill, the agency cannot hire anyone for new positions, create any new jobs, assign current employees to different tasks, or move employees to different office locations. Essentially, it's a complete halt on staffing changes—the agency can only continue operating with the exact same people in the exact same roles and locations they currently have. The bill's name suggests concern about the agency's outreach activities, implying the sponsors believe a freeze on growth will reduce what they view as propaganda efforts. This would significantly limit the agency's ability to expand its operations, respond to new international situations, or adjust its workforce to meet changing needs.

ZIPPO Act

Ogles, Andrew

<html><body>Zero Increase in Personnel for Propagandistic Outreach Act or the ZIPPO Act This bill prohibits certain personnel actions within the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Specifically, the bill requires that within the USAGM <ul> <li> no individual may be appointed to any position; </li> <li>no new position may be established; </li> <li>no officer or employee may be assigned any new duty; and </li> <li>no officer or employee may be assigned, detailed, or transferred to a new duty station.</li> </ul></body></html>