6 U.S.C. § 416 — Use of protective equipment or measures by employees

This section blocks the government from spending money to punish certain federal workers. Starting in fiscal year 2013 and afterward, no funds from this or any other law may be used to bring a disciplinary or adverse action against a Department of Homeland Security employee. This protection covers an employee who regularly deals with the public as part of their job. It applies only if the employee is being punished solely because they chose to use protective equipment or measures — things like surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, or hand sanitizer. The protection has one condition: the employee's use of that equipment must be in accord with Department of Homeland Security policy, and it must follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office of Personnel Management.