The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) regained a quorum this week, as the Senate confirmed James Woodruff as a member of the panel. His nomination was included in an en bloc package of confirmations, approved by a 51-47 vote. Woodruff joins Henry Kerner – a fellow Republican – who has been the lone member of the three-person panel since the Trump administration fired Democrat Cathy Harris. MSPB may have no more than two members from the same political party.

Established as part of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the MSPB is responsible for adjudicating appeals on federal personnel cases, with a goal of protecting federal employees against prohibited personnel practices such as whistleblower retaliation. With a quorum – at least two members – restored, MSPB can issue final rulings in cases it adjudicates.

Woodruff, newly confirmed to the panel, is a professor at St. Francis School of Law. He earned a B.S. from Texas A&M University and a J.D., from South Texas College of Law. His bio lists experience in civil litigation, Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer of Wells Fargo Bank, and as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate and Reserve Coordinator at Nellis Air Force Base as part of the United States Air Force Reserve.

Woodruff was confirmed for a seven-year term at MSPB, expiring on March 1, 2032.