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NARFE Supports Senate Bill Rescinding Executive Order That Would Create Schedule F Federal Employees

Alexandria, Va. – In response to the November 18 introduction by Senator Gary Peters, D-MI, of a bill to nullify Executive Order 13957 (Creating Schedule F in the Excepted Service), NARFE National President Ken Thomas issued the following statement:

“I applaud Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan) and the 40 other senators who today introduced a bill to rescind Executive Order 13957, ‘Creating Schedule F in the Excepted Service,’ and block implementation by prohibiting use of appropriations to carry out the order.

“NARFE staunchly opposes EO 13957, which demolishes the rule that civil servants are hired and fired based on merit, not political affiliation, a tradition that has served our country well since the late 1800s.  The order also threatens to politicize the delivery of services on which the American people rely, jeopardizing the very foundation of our federal government.

“The new Schedule F federal employee category threatens the centuries-long integrity of nonpartisan professionals by forming a broad exception to the competitive civil service.  A competitive civil service provides continuity through changing administrations and ensures public servants’ primary allegiance is to the Constitution and laws of the United States rather than the individual temporarily holding the office of President.

“These senators have taken a courageous stand to protect a merit-based, nonpartisan civil service amid a change in executive leadership. NARFE urges swift passage of this legislation countermanding the Executive Order.”

As the only organization solely dedicated to the general welfare of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE delivers valuable guidance, timely resources and powerful advocacy. For nearly a century, NARFE has been a trusted source of knowledge for the federal community, Capitol Hill, the executive branch and the media.

CONTACT:
Jenn Rafael
NARFE Director of Communications and Marketing
jrafael@narfe.org