Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Federal Workforce and Delivery of Government Services
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to authorize Federal Executive Boards (FEBs), which help improve collaboration among federal agency offices located outside of Washington, D.C. FEBs help coordinate federal emergency response activities at the local level, and build partnerships between agencies and state and local entities to ensure federal programs are administered effectively. Currently, there are 28 FEB locations across the nation, including one in Michigan. The bill would enable FEBs to further support agency efforts to recruit and place students, veterans, and others into skills training opportunities like apprenticeships and paid internships at agency field offices. Peters introduced similar legislation that advanced in the Senate last Congress.
“Federal Executive Boards are critical to ensuring government can effectively serve taxpayers in Michigan and across the nation by efficiently providing services like disaster relief and housing programs that communities depend on,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill will help ensure that Federal Executive Boards are better able to build a pipeline of talented federal workers to serve communities on the ground all across the country.”
Currently, FEBs are not formally authorized and do not have a stable source of funding. This means these critical entities are at risk of shutting down or closing. Peters’ bill would provide FEBs with the resources they need to continue supporting agency initiatives and strengthen federal talent pipelines by increasing the number of training opportunities in government.
The Improving Government Efficiency and Workforce Development through Federal Executive Boards Act would authorize FEBs and a stable source of funding. The bill requires administration and oversight of FEBs to be carried out by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA). The legislation would enhance FEB workforce development-related activities, such as supporting recruitment into federal internship and apprenticeship programs. Finally, the bill requires a report to Congress on FEBs following the implementation of the bill.
Peters has led numerous efforts improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government. His bipartisan bill directing the General Services Administration (GSA) to install the most cost effective and energy-efficient lighting in public buildings was signed into law. Peters convened a hearing to highlight how independent watchdogs are holding bad actors accountable for misusing relief funds that were meant to help Americans affected by the COVID-19. Finally, Peters’ bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by ensuring federal property and assets are disaster resilient was also signed into law.
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