The main purpose of the legislation, known as the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees Act or the SAFE Act, is to protect federal employees from job reductions during government shutdowns. Specifically, it aims to prevent executive agencies from carrying out layoffs or similar actions when there is a lapse in government funding. Key provisions of the SAFE Act include a clear prohibition on executive agencies from initiating or implementing any layoffs during periods when they do not have appropriated funds.