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FMA Washington Report: November 9, 2020
FMA FMA Statement on Executive Order Creating Schedule F in the Excepted Service
On Wednesday, October 21, President Donald Trump released an Executive Order (EO) creating Schedule F in the Federal Government’s Excepted Service. FMA immediately voiced opposition to the action, which creates a new class of career “confidential, policy-determining, or policy-advocating” positions, unprotected by traditional due process. Click here to read the EO in full.

FMA endorses the Saving the Civil Services Act (H.R. 8687) introduced by House Government Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), House Oversight and Reform Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD). This bill would prevent the executive order being implemented by blocking agencies from converting employees to or hiring any new Schedule F employees, as well as reinstating anyone fired because of this executive order, and granting them back pay.

FMA further weighed in on the issue in a “Hear it from FMA” article published by FEDManager.com on November 3.  

FMA National President Craig Carter made the following statement: 

“FMA is deeply concerned with this Executive Order. By undermining the Pendleton Act, it will take all political neutrality out of the leadership of the civil service and eliminate the insulation provided by Pendleton from that type of influence.

“This Executive Order is not just a first step, but could lead down a slippery slope toward eliminating the non-political civil service entirely. The unacceptable elimination of due process for terminating employees leaves them solely at the whim of politicians – intolerable under any administration, Republican or Democrat. Indeed, a hallmark of America’s civil service is the foundational, fundamental understanding that federal employees swear an oath to the Constitution and provide services to all Americans, regardless of political party. The federal government cannot function effectively without this nonpolitical civil service capable of preserving institutional memory and competence across administrations.

“The Executive Order regrettably eliminates the civil service leadership cadre as a desirable promotion potential for younger employees who aspire to reach the higher levels of federal service. One of the best recruiting tools for the federal workforce has always been the structure and security of federal jobs, despite being paid less than our private sector counterparts. This EO eliminates that incentive to work for less pay but greater fairness and security that has inspired many to join or remain in the civil service. We are concerned that people who want to serve their country in ways other than the military may not consider the civil service after this type of systemic change in focus and purpose. FMA stands staunchly opposed to this misguided Executive Order.”

Click here to read a Federal News Network article regarding who may be affected if the EO stays in place.    

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