GOP lawmaker rolls out MERIT Act to restructure federal workforce based on private sector model

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, a Republican from Georgia, has introduced a new measure aimed at reforming and restructuring the federal workforce. The Modern Employment Reform, Improvement and Transformation (MERIT) Act focuses on hiring and retaining officials based on merit, similar to practices in the private sector. Loudermilk’s goal is to hold inefficient and corrupt government bureaucrats accountable.

This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s executive actions on reforming the federal workforce. Loudermilk believes that with the passage of the MERIT Act, Americans will once again have a government they can trust and be proud of. He aims to shift the focus back to a government that serves the people, rather than self-interests or political agendas.

The MERIT Act addresses issues of misconduct and poor performance by streamlining the process for removing or suspending employees and supervisors. It allows agencies to remove senior executives from the civil service for performance reasons and recoup bonuses or awards in cases of misconduct. Additionally, the bill affects the retirement benefits of employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties.

Loudermilk emphasizes the importance of creating a dedicated and efficient federal workforce. He believes that the current system protects poor performers and corruption, and the MERIT Act is a crucial step in fixing these issues. By modeling employee dismissal after private sector practices, the bill aims to create a more effective government that works for the benefit of the American people.

The original co-sponsors of the MERIT Act include several Republican representatives, showing bipartisan support for the initiative. Loudermilk is optimistic about the bill’s prospects and looks forward to working with colleagues to get it passed in the U.S. House.

In addition to the MERIT Act, President Trump has taken steps to reform the federal workforce, including directing agencies to close Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and prioritizing in-person, in-office work. These actions align with Loudermilk’s goals of creating a more efficient and accountable government.

Brooke Singman, a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News, will continue to cover developments related to the MERIT Act and other initiatives aimed at reforming the federal workforce.