Members of Congress Don Beyer, Steny Hoyer, Gerry Connolly, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and John Delaney released the following joint statement in opposition to the ‘Holman Rule’ included in the proposed Rules package:

“Today, the House of Representatives will consider a rules package that aims to further undermine civil service employee protections by stripping away necessary safeguards. Reinstating the so-called “Holman Rule” would allow any Member of Congress to simply offer an amendment that could reduce the salary of any federal employee, or eliminate a federal employee’s position without hearings, testimony, or due process.

Federal employees work in every congressional district to provide vital services that help keep our nation healthy, safe, and strong, but with this rule House Republicans would instead treat these civil servants like political pawns and scapegoats. We urge the GOP leadership to withdraw this harmful provision, and show support for the federal workforce.”

The Holman Rule allows Congress to vote on individual federal employee’s compensation or job security, and the overall composition of the federal workforce and individual agencies, as part of an appropriations amendment.