Sheehy Introduces Bill to Restore Efficiency and Accountability in the Federal Government

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R – Mont.) today introduced the Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation (MERIT) Act to reform and modernize the federal workforce by emphasizing merit-based hiring and retention while aligning dismissal processes with private-sector standards.

“It’s well past time for the federal government to stop operating like a runaway train to nowhere and hold itself to the same standards that millions of hardworking Americans in the private sector hold themselves to every day. This legislation is an important step toward bringing an end to bloated bureaucracy and restoring common sense and accountability in the federal government. The American people voted for serious reform in November, and I’m proud to lead this effort in the Senate to deliver on that mandate,” said Senator Sheehy.

Representative Barry Loudermilk (R – Ga.) introduced the MERIT Act’s companion bill in the House of Representatives.

“Americans are tired of funding the fraud, waste, and abuse within our bloated federal government bureaucracy. With the passage of the MERIT Act, Americans will have a government they can be proud of again, not one they fear and distrust. We will return our government to one that works for the people, not one that works for self-interests or political agendas. The reforming of the federal government must begin with a dedicated, efficient, and committed workforce, which is why the MERIT Act is an essential step in fixing our broken system and creating a more effective government workforce that truly serves the American people. Prioritizing transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining the integrity of our federal government and protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars. I commend Senator Tim Sheehy for introducing the Senate counterpart to this important bill and for his leadership in this effort,” said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11).

Background
The federal workforce operates under an outdated civil service system that has failed to adapt to evolving workforce needs. Americans have grown concerned about the federal government’s unchecked power and bloated bureaucracy. The government has strayed from the values and efficiency that citizens depend on, making it essential to revamp the workforce and hold ineffective employees accountable.

The MERIT Act aims to revitalize the civil service system by addressing shortcomings in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. The bill would reform and modernize the federal workforce by emphasizing merit-based hiring and retention while aligning dismissal processes with private-sector standards. It’s time to hold the federal government accountable and ensure it operates efficiently for all Americans.

Senators Kevin Cramer (R – N.D.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R – Miss.) joined Senator Sheehy in introducing the MERIT Act in the Senate.

Read more on the bill HERE. Read the full bill text HERE.