House Republicans next week are set to vote on legislation that would simplify the process of firing new federal workers, which supports of the bill say will help ensure a more qualified federal workforce.
Republicans have teed up a vote on the Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act, or the EQUALS Act. The bill, from Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., would extend the probationary period for new federal employees to two years, from the current one year.
During the probationary period, unqualified employees can be removed more easily than established federal workers. All the government has to do is provide a written notice of termination and an explanation, and the new employee is generally not allowed to appear these early decisions.
In contrast, established federal workers can appeal these decisions to the Merit Systems Protection Board, and firing decisions can take from six months to a year.
Comer said giving the government that flexibility for two years instead of one will help them ensure the right people are in the right government jobs.
“The EQUALS Act will ensure the American people are served by a professional and competent civil service,” he said this month when he introduced the bill. “It will also provide sufficient time for federal managers to assess the performance of probationary employees and for new hires to demonstrate proficiency in their roles.”
Congress has taken some steps in the last few years to make it easier to fire federal workers, most notably at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Comer’s bill would extend the probationary period for both regular federal workers and members of the Senior Executive Service.
