In September, the House of Representatives passed the Preventing a Patronage System Act (H.R. 302) by a vote of 225-204. This bipartisan bill would prevent any future administration – Democratic or Republican – from reviving Schedule F. It marked the third time the House has passed similar language this session signaling strong support for the effort. FMA supports H.R. 302 and the other legislative vehicles aimed at preventing the return of Schedule F.

FMA National President Craig Carter sent a letter to all members of the House of Representatives prior to the vote on the House floor on H.R. 302. To view the letter, click here. FMA also joined a Federal-Postal Coalition letter in support of the hill. To see that letter, click here.

On October 27, FMA joined a broad coalition of voices in a letter to House and Senate leadership urging the completion of Congressional action in the 117th Congress on this issue.

“The undersigned organizations are united in our commitment to ensuring excellence and integrity

in the federal government for the betterment of the American people,” the letter said. “We urge you to pass legislation that protects America’s civil service system from future attempts to create broad exceptions to the competitive civil service, whether as standalone legislation or through the annual National Defense Authorization Act, as has been done in the House, as part of appropriations, as is under consideration in the Senate, or otherwise. Our nation relies on the work of a professional and nonpartisan civil service. The merit-based civil service framework provides continuity of government through changing administrations, preserves institutional knowledge and expertise, and safeguards the rule of law and adherence to the Constitution.” 

To read the full letter, click here.