VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine Roles of Nonpartisan Civil Servants and Political Appointees in National Security and Federal Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the roles of nonpartisan civil servants and political appointees in national security and federal operations. The hearing examined the impact of Schedule F, an Executive Order that would put thousands of federal employees' jobs on the line, and how this proposal could lead to a less effective workforce and undermine national security. The committee heard from expert witnesses on what steps Congress must take to strengthen the civil service and ensure the federal government is not at risk of losing the expertise of nonpartisan civil servants through proposals like Schedule F. 

“Right now, people are hired for the civil service because of their ability to do the job, not their political connections. They are career civil servants, who serve across Presidential administrations regardless of political party. This ensures that our civil service is highly trained and able to deliver for our citizens. But some Presidential administration officials, and organizations advising Presidential administrations, have pursued sweeping changes to this system” said Peters during his opening statement. 

Peters continued: “Most recently, the prior administration sought to replace at least 50,000 nonpartisan career civil servants with appointees who followed the former President’s politics. This change would not only hinder our government’s efficiency, it would be disastrous for the American people. It would drain the federal government of institutional knowledge, expertise, and continuity. It would slow down services, make us less prepared when disaster strikes, and erode public trust in government.” 

To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters’ opening remarks as prepared, click here.

To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click here.

During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses raised concerns that proposals like Schedule F could impact the willingness of whistleblowers to come forward and lead to dramatic increases in agency vacancies. Removing protections for nonpartisan civil servants would also mean they could be fired over political differences regardless of their workplace performance. The committee also discussed the importance of retaining nonpartisan civil servants to maintain expertise and properly secure our nation against threats. The witnesses also highlighted the need for continuity across presidential transitions and how the Schedule F Executive Order could impact long-standing government operations.  

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