Federal Managers Association

Press Release

• FMA DENOUNCES LEGISLATION TO MAKE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES “AT-WILL” - May 10, 2023

• Alexandria, VA – Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced the Public Service Reform Act (H.R. 3115) on May 5, 2023. The bill would eliminate due process and make federal employees “at-will.” Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Craig Carter made the following comments on the introduction of the bill:

  "The Public Service Reform Act,” introduced immediately before Public Service Recognition Week, is a slap in the face to the dedicated public servants who tirelessly work every day to make our country run. If this bill was ever enacted, it would put the country’s government in a worse place than the spoils system. Federal employees swear an oath to the Constitution and provide services to all Americans, regardless of who is in power and their own personal political beliefs.

  “The bill text of H.R. 3115 states it would allow any federal employee to be terminated for “good cause, bad cause, or no cause at all.” It is shocking to think any Member of Congress could support terminating a public servant for ‘no cause,’ and even worse to ponder what termination for ‘bad cause’ would look like. Bad cause? It is remarkable that this is actual legislative language and not hyperbolic cable television banter.

  “FMA strongly supports high standards and accountability for all feds, and empowering managers to address poor performers. However, this bill is a farcical, nonsensical, facile, Wile E. Coyote approach that does not merit any serious discussion in the halls of Congress. FMA strongly opposes H.R. 3115.”

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