Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Statement on Trump Administration Rule Paving Way for More Firings of Merit-Based Federal Workers

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) released the following statement on the Trump Administration Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Schedule Policy/Career final rule. Previously referred to as "Schedule F" when Donald Trump issued this proposal during his first term, this rule marks another step by the Trump Administration to reorganize tens of thousands of federal workers under a new class with very limited protections - opening the door for the Administration to carry out more politically-motivated firings without recourse for the employees to appeal.

"Donald Trump and Russ Vought have launched their most direct attack yet on the cornerstone of our government - the nonpartisan, merit-based federal workforce. This policy is not rooted in the desire for greater government efficiency, instead it is simply a trojan horse designed to convert our merit-based system into one driven by political cronyism. It is a recipe for corruption. Federal employees would be selected based not on what they know, but who they know - which will undermine the quality of services delivered to the American people. We will fight tooth-and-nail against this policy in Congress, in the courts, and in our communities so that our patriotic federal workers can continue to serve American families and businesses - without fear of political interference."