New Rules Aim to Ease Firing of Policy Employees
Published Date: 6/10/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
This new rule affects federal employees in important policy jobs, making it easier to remove those who don’t do their jobs well while still hiring based on merit, not politics. Starting now, these policy-focused career roles will have clearer rules for accountability and rewards for great work. This change helps keep the government effective and fair, with no extra costs or delays announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Removal for Policy Employees
If you hold a federal policy-influencing position moved into Schedule Policy/Career, your agency may separate you for unacceptable performance or misconduct under a new 5 CFR provision that expressly allows separation when the agency identifies such grounds in a written notice. The Executive Order implements this change immediately (signed June 3, 2026) and places these positions in the excepted service.
Separate Bonus Pools and Presidential Awards
Heads of agencies with Schedule Policy/Career employees must set aside a separate bonus pool to reward outstanding work, consistent with 5 CFR Part 451. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must promptly begin rulemaking under 5 U.S.C. 4504 and 4506 to create a Presidential award program for these employees.
Retention of Competitive Status on Listing
If you already had competitive status when your position was first listed under Schedule Policy/Career, you remain in the excepted service but retain your competitive status under the amended Civil Service Rule (change to 5 CFR 1.3).
One-Year Rule to Gain Competitive Status
If you were in the competitive service and serving a probationary period when your position was first listed under Schedule Policy/Career, you will acquire competitive status after satisfactorily completing 1 year of current continuous service in that position, under the amended 5 CFR 3.1(a).
Merit Hiring and Veteran Preference Required
When appointing someone to Schedule Policy/Career, each agency must follow OPM-prescribed merit-based hiring procedures and apply the principle of veteran preference 'as far as administratively feasible' under the amended 5 CFR 6.2. OPM will publish an annual list of excepted positions.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16979, Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components Into the United States
2026-16730, Delivering Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations for Americans
2026-16748, Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Export Control Regulations
2026-16589, Paperwork Reduction Act; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Revisions of Currently Approved Collection: Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program and Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants To Address Local Drug Crisis (CARA) Local Drug Crisis Program National Evaluation
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announces it will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) an information collection request.
2026-16400, Adjusting Imports of Polysilicon and Its Derivatives Into the United States
2026-16401, National Purple Heart Day, 2026
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11415, Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
Next: 2026-11595, Strengthening Customs Enforcement
The government is cracking down on customs rules to stop illegal goods and make sure importers pay their fair share. Importers will need to show they have enough money or assets to cover their duties, and new rules will roll out within 180 days. This means safer trade, stronger borders, and fairer business for everyone.