Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-M.O., just blocked Democratic Party plans Tuesday to “Trump Proof” the federal government before the new administration takes office in January.
Democrats were attempting to stop federal workers from being classified as political appointees before Trump takes back control of the federal government.
Democratic Senators sought unanimous consent to pass the Saving the Civil Service Act, which would require congressional approval before federal positions could be moved.
“Back in the 19th century we saw what happens when you have a federal workforce that was made up of political spoils and political patriots. So Congress back in 1883 said that we should put in place an independent civil service. That has been the law of the land for 150 years,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-V.A., claimed on the Senate floor.
Schmitt objected to the measure, preventing its passage — in part because it would allow federal workers to stay remote, while maintaining much of the size of the federal government Trump’s second term.
“What we’ve seen in the last 100 years is the growth of an administrative state that isn’t accountable to anybody,” Schmitt said during floor debate.
“There is no secret that President Trump ran on greater government efficiency and reducing the size of government,” the Missouri Republican said. “This is another effort to Trump-proof before Jan. 20.”
Democrats were trying to stop Schedule F, an executive order signed by Trump in October 2020 that created a new classification for federal employees in policy-making positions.
President Joe Biden later repealed the order in January 2021. Trump is expected to reverse the Biden administration’s move.
In a video posted on social platform X after the vote, Schmitt defended his move to voters.
“And I’m just leaving the Capitol, objecting to and blocking an initiative that they put forth to pass another law that would prevent President Trump from shaping the executive branch how he wants to, possibly firing federal workers who don’t show up to work,” Schmitt said.
“Only about 16 percent of federal workers are in any one of these buildings in Washington on any given day.”
The incoming administration could reclassify up to 50,000 federal workers as political appointees who could be fired at will. Current law already allows for 4,000 political appointments.
Take a look —
Proud to stand up today and block a desperate attempt by Senate Democrats to “Trump Proof” permanent Washington.
Reform is coming. pic.twitter.com/7zZX24Bced
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) December 17, 2024