Improving the Federal Workforce through Commonsense Hiring and Firing Practices

In his 2018 State of the Union address, President Trump called on Congress “to empower every Cabinet Secretary with the authority to reward good workers and to remove federal employees who undermine the public trust or fail the American people.” It takes about a year and a half, on average, to fire a federal employee. The lengthy and cumbersome dismissal process inhibits government efficiency and can nurture a toxic work environment, characterized by lack of discipline and reduced employee morale.