---
kind: "section"
citation: "5 U.S.C. § 7532"
title: "5"
title_heading: "Government Organization and Employees"
number: "7532"
heading: "Suspension and removal"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/5/7532"
units:
  - "Part III — Employees"
  - "Subpart F — Labor-Management and Employee Relations"
  - "Chapter 75 — Adverse Actions"
  - "Subchapter IV — National Security"
---

# §7532. Suspension and removal

- (a) Notwithstanding other statutes, the head of an [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) may suspend without [pay](/usc/5/7511.md?p=a-4) an [employee](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1) of his [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) when he considers that action necessary in the interests of national security. To the extent that the head of the [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) determines that the interests of national security permit, the suspended [employee](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1) shall be notified of the reasons for the [suspension](/usc/5/7501.md?p=2). Within 30 days after the notification, the suspended [employee](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1) is entitled to submit to the official designated by the head of the [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) statements or affidavits to show why he should be restored to duty.
- (b) Subject to [subsection (c)](#c) of this section, the head of an [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) may remove an [employee](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1) suspended under [subsection (a)](#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](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) is final.
- (c) An [employee](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1) suspended under [subsection (a)](#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](/usc/5/7103.md?p=a-18);

  is entitled, after [suspension](/usc/5/7501.md?p=2) and before removal, to—

  - (A) a written statement of the charges against him within 30 days after [suspension](/usc/5/7501.md?p=2), 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](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1), by an [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) [authority](/usc/5/7103.md?p=a-6) duly constituted for this purpose;
  - (D) a review of his case by the head of the [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1) or his designee, before a decision adverse to the [employee](/usc/5/7501.md?p=1) is made final; and
  - (E) a written statement of the decision of the head of the [agency](/usc/5/3132.md?p=a-1).

## Source credit

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

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Derivation | U.S. Code | Revised Statutes and<br>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.