What does Preamble of FAST Justice Act do?

This bill aims to amend chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code. The stated purpose is to ensure timely rulings by the Merit Systems Protection Board. The rulings pertain to appeals by Federal employees and applicants for employment.

What does SHORT TITLE. of FAST Justice Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Fair Access to Swift and Timely Justice Act.

What does TIMELINESS OF MSPB APPEALS. of FAST Justice Act do?

This section amends Title 5 of the United States Code, specifically section 7701, concerning the timeliness of appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). It establishes a process allowing employees or applicants to file a civil action in federal district court if the MSPB has not taken action on an appeal within 120 days of its filing (excluding appeals subject to section 7702). The civil action can be filed in a district where the personnel action allegedly occurred, where the employee would have been employed, or where the respondent's principal office is located if personal jurisdiction is lacking elsewhere. The district court will apply the standard of review under section 7703(c) for MSPB orders and decisions, and the standard that would have applied to the personnel action's review by the MSPB for other determinations. Appeals from district court decisions will follow the procedures outlined in section 1291 of Title 28. Upon filing of a civil action, the MSPB is required to stay the related appeal, but will resume processing it if the civil action is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The amendments do not limit an employee or applicant’s ability to obtain judicial review of MSPB orders or decisions as outlined in section 7703.

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FAST Justice Act

Last updated: 10/8/2025 · Introduced: 10/8/2025

Author: James Walkinshaw (D-VA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows federal employees and applicants to file a civil action in federal district court if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) fails to act on an appeal within 120 days.
If an employee initiates a civil action, the MSPB must pause processing of the appeal until the district court case is resolved.
The bill establishes specific rules for federal district court review of MSPB decisions, including jurisdiction and standards of review.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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