During its action on the bill (HR-5005) the Government Reform panel also adopted language that in general would keep other employee rights and benefits intact upon a move into the new department. That move, which had broad bipartisan support, also includes authority to harmonize the many pay different pay rules applying to potentially affected law enforcement employees so that one component of the new department does not in effect compete for employees with others. The measure also includes authority for a demonstration project of alternative personnel practices in the new agency, including pay for performance, although details are as yet unclear whether such a test program could cover the entire agency or only parts and what level of congressional scrutiny would be applied. The committee’s action is significant because Government Reform is the primary House panel with jurisdiction over civil service matters, but there are many steps ahead before even House approval is assured.