2020 US Code
Title 5 - Government Organization and Employees
Part III - Employees
Subpart F - Labor-Management and Employee Relations
Chapter 75 - Adverse Actions
Subchapter IV - National Security
Sec. 7532 - Suspension and removal

Download PDF
Citation 5 U.S.C. § 7532 (2020)
Section Name §7532. Suspension and removal
Section Text

(a) Notwithstanding other statutes, the head of an agency may suspend without pay an employee of his agency when he considers that action necessary in the interests of national security. To the extent that the head of the agency determines that the interests of national security permit, the suspended employee shall be notified of the reasons for the suspension. Within 30 days after the notification, the suspended employee is entitled to submit to the official designated by the head of the agency statements or affidavits to show why he should be restored to duty.

(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the head of an agency may remove an employee suspended under subsection (a) of this section when, after such investigation and review as he considers necessary, he determines that removal is necessary or advisable in the interests of national security. The determination of the head of the agency is final.

(c) An employee suspended under subsection (a) of this section who—

(1) has a permanent or indefinite appointment;

(2) has completed his probationary or trial period; and

(3) is a citizen of the United States;


is entitled, after suspension and before removal, to—

(A) a written statement of the charges against him within 30 days after suspension, which may be amended within 30 days thereafter and which shall be stated as specifically as security considerations permit;

(B) an opportunity within 30 days thereafter, plus an additional 30 days if the charges are amended, to answer the charges and submit affidavits;

(C) a hearing, at the request of the employee, by an agency authority duly constituted for this purpose;

(D) a review of his case by the head of the agency or his designee, before a decision adverse to the employee is made final; and

(E) a written statement of the decision of the head of the agency.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 529.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes and Statutes at Large
5 U.S.C. 22–1 (less 3d–5th provisos). Aug. 26, 1950, ch. 803, §1 (less 3d–5th provisos), 64 Stat. 476.
  July 29, 1958, Pub. L. 85–568, §301(c), 72 Stat. 432.

The application of this section is covered by the definition in section 7531.

In subsection (a), the words "Notwithstanding the provisions of section 652 of this title" are omitted but are carried into section 7501(c). The words "in his absolute discretion" are omitted as unnecessary in view of the permissive grant of authority. The word "reinstated" is omitted as it is commonly used in other statutes to denote action different from that referred to here.

In subsections (b) and (c), the words "remove" and "removal" are coextensive with and substituted for "terminate the employment", "termination", and "employment is terminated", as appropriate.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 2, Title 5 - GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 5 - GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES
PART III - EMPLOYEES
Subpart F - Labor-Management and Employee Relations
CHAPTER 75 - ADVERSE ACTIONS
SUBCHAPTER IV - NATIONAL SECURITY
Sec. 7532 - Suspension and removal
Contains section 7532
Date 2020
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 13, 2021
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 64 Stat. 476
72 Stat. 432
80 Stat. 529
Public Law References Public Law 85-568, Public Law 89-554
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.