MERIT Act

Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation (MERIT) Act
H.R. 687, Sponsored by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)
S. 662, Sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT)

The MERIT Act, introduced by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT), aims to reform the federal civil service system to improve efficiency and accountability. It’s designed to align federal workforce practices more closely with those of the private sector.

In a post on X.com, Sen. Sheehy said, “The MERIT Act will help ensure the federal government is held to the same standards that millions of hardworking Americans in the private sector are held to every day.”

The MERIT Act proposes streamlining the process for addressing poor performance and misconduct among federal employees, making it easier to remove or suspend underperforming staff. The act also allows agencies to remove senior executives for performance issues rather than just demoting them. Additionally, it includes provisions to recoup bonuses and awards if performance or conduct problems are later discovered and adjusts retirement benefits for employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties.

Rep. Loudermilk said in a statement, “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.”

Back in 2018, a group of conservative leaders and activists signed a letter of support when the bill was originally introduced, stating, “Unelected bureaucrats continue to boldly undermine President Trump. Poor performers–and those who seek to subvert the will of the administration under which they serve–should be held accountable.”

Bill Status: Rep. Loudermilk has introduced the MERIT Act since 2017. In 2018 the legislation had 60 cosponsors and was successfully reported out of House Oversight Committee.

Additional Resources:

Press release: Rep. Loudermilk Applauds Senate Introduction of MERIT Act

One-page summary of the MERIT Act from Rep. Loudermilk

Coalition Letter led by Conservative Action Project: Now is the time to pass the MERIT Act (October, 2018)