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Political Appointees

Federal Employees as Pawns in the Political System

FedSmith.com author Joe SwerdzewskiBy Joe SwerdzewskiNov 24, 2021 9:50 AM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment

The author says that federal employees are often pawns in our political system which gives them a unique job challenge.

Confirmation Process of Political Appointees Now Takes Longer Than Ever

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 22, 2020 7:44 AM | Updated: Feb 4, 2020 5:19 PM Categories Current Events Leave a comment

Results from a new study show that the Senate confirmation process of political appointees now take longer than ever before.

House Dems Concerned About Whistleblower Reports of Targeting Career Federal Employees

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithMar 15, 2018 5:53 PM | Updated: Mar 22, 2018 12:20 PM Categories Agency News, Human Resources Leave a comment

Two Congressmen say they have whistleblower documents alleging administration officials targeted career federal employees who did not support President Trump’s agenda.

What Happens When Political Appointees Circle the Wagons?

By Jeff NealMar 15, 2018 3:05 PM | Updated: Mar 22, 2018 12:20 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Two businessmen in a tug of war isolated on white background

The author says that infighting among political appointees is not unusual, however, he says it can lead to challenges to accomplishing the mission.

Is the Administration’s Pace of Political Appointments a Problem or an Opportunity?

By Jeff NealMar 8, 2018 3:31 PM | Updated: Aug 1, 2023 7:32 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Problem and opportunity check boxes written in chalk

Is having fewer political appointees a good thing? The author looks at different viewpoints in response to the question.

Political Burrowing Prevention Bill Passes House

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithMar 7, 2018 9:19 AM | Updated: Mar 15, 2018 3:01 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
Closeup of a groundhog's face as he emerges from burrowing in his hole

Legislation designed to end political burrowing has passed the House.

The Political Appointee Burrowing Prevention Act – Good Idea or Not?

By Jeff NealNov 1, 2017 4:10 PM | Updated: Mar 15, 2018 3:01 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment
3D person holding two scales: one labeled 'good' and the other labeled 'bad'

A bill under consideration aims to curtail political “burrowing.” The author provides details about the bill along with suggestions for improving it.

Should Political Appointees Be Barred From Career Jobs?

By Jeff NealOct 9, 2017 8:29 AM | Updated: Feb 21, 2020 12:52 PM Categories Human Resources Leave a comment

How widespread is the practice of political “burrowing?” The author says it’s largely a “problem” that isn’t really a problem.

GAO Finds 76 Instances of Obama Political Appointees ‘Burrowing In’

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithSep 28, 2017 10:11 AM | Updated: Feb 21, 2020 12:51 PM Categories Agency News, Human Resources Leave a comment

Political “burrowing” is a common practice after a change in administrations. GAO has issued its latest report on what it found during the Obama Administration.

6 Tips For Surviving A Prolonged Presidential Transition

By Jeff NealJun 4, 2017 8:31 AM | Updated: Mar 15, 2018 3:03 PM Categories Leadership Leave a comment

Presidential transitions can be a time of great disruption for the federal workforce. The author provides some tips to make the process easier for federal employees.

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