On April 9, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nominations of Scott Kupor and Eric Ueland, President Trump’s nominees for Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Deputy Director for Management, clearing their way for confirmation by the full Senate. All committee Republicans voted favorably, and all Democrats opposed their nominations.

Kupor, tapped to lead OPM, is a management partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. At his confirmation hearing, Kupor testified that federal government layoffs and other “tough choices” are necessary, but said, “I think the process is one that requires transparency and communication, and we need to recognize and respect the humanity of the workforce.”

Ueland, Trump’s pick as Deputy Director for Management, agreed with Kupor, while also supporting the view of the civil service as at-will employees. “We’re all at-will employees,” Ueland said. “It’s invigorating, it’s exciting. You learn what the expectations are, you work hard and with a high-performing team to deliver results. I’m excited to rethink, reimagine, and renew for the federal workforce in the 21^st century, and that’s my commitment to this committee. Ueland is a former congressional staffer and a political appointee in President Trump’s first term. He is currently serving as OMB’s acting chief of staff.

Both nominees must be approved by the full Senate to be confirmed to their respective posts.