Norton Calls for Support for Federal Employees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement today regarding federal employees:

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the ongoing, and often illegal and unconstitutional, attacks against our federal workforce. Today’s attempted illegal gutting of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is just the most recent in a long line of attacks on federal employees, now only two weeks into the current Administration. 

“The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress are attempting to denigrate federal employees and are continuing to lay the groundwork to gutting the federal workforce and converting a significant portion of the remaining federal civil service into political appointees. Federal employees deserve praise for their expertise, dedication and service. They do not deserve what is happening to them now.

“These attempts by the Trump Administration, including the questionably constituted DOGE led by Elon Musk, and the associated bills by Republicans in Congress, are all about getting experts to quit the federal workforce. This would deprive the federal government of expertise and experience, and, more importantly, would harm the important services the federal government provides to all Americans.

“From DOGE to Project 2025 to actions by this Congress, Republicans have made it clear that they do not want a government with a qualified civil service system, which ensures a non-partisan, merit-based, professional federal workforce. Instead, Republicans want a patronage system, something that this country has rightly rejected.

“Regarding USAID, let me be clear: I strongly support USAID and am working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to protect the agency. I, likewise, strongly oppose Elon Musk and his aides getting access to the Department of the Treasury’s payment system, and will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to block their access.

“Federal employees should be applauded for their tireless work and extensive efforts on behalf of the American people. Thousands of civil federal servants have given their lives in the line of duty for their country.

“They deserve better.”

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