H.R.492 - Saving the Civil Service Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 492, the "Saving the Civil Service Act," aims to prevent the establishment of Schedule F within the excepted service. This bill seeks to limit the ability of agencies to move positions from the competitive service to the excepted service, thereby protecting civil service employees from potential political influence. The bill also requires OPM consent for certain transfers and sets limits on the number of employees that can be transferred during a presidential term.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would maintain the current structure of the civil service by preventing the creation of Schedule F. It would limit the ability of future administrations to politicize the civil service by reclassifying positions. This would likely lead to more job security for civil servants.
Potential Benefits
- Protects career civil servants from political interference.
- Maintains stability and expertise within government agencies.
- Ensures that hiring and promotion are based on merit rather than political affiliation.
- Prevents potential disruptions in government services due to politically motivated personnel changes.
- Reinforces the principles of a non-partisan civil service.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May limit the flexibility of agency heads to implement policy changes effectively.
- Could make it more difficult to remove underperforming employees.
- Might hinder efforts to streamline government operations and improve efficiency.
- Could be perceived as entrenching the existing bureaucracy.
- May face resistance from administrations seeking greater control over the civil service.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of a functioning government as outlined in the Constitution. While the Constitution does not explicitly detail the structure of the civil service, it implies the need for a competent and stable administration to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). The bill's provisions for merit-based hiring and protection against political interference support this goal. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional provision or amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).