Norton Releases Remarks on Federal Employees from House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from yesterday’s speech on the House floor in defense of federal employees, who are suffering continued attacks from the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress.

“The Trump administration seems intent on dismantling much of the federal government, in violation of the Constitution, federal statutes and federal regulations,” Norton said. “The administration has relentlessly attacked federal employees, subjecting them to chaos and fear.

“Federal employees should be applauded for their expertise, tireless work and efforts on behalf of the American people. I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to use all the legislative, oversight and communication tools at our disposal to fight back against these attacks.”

Norton’s full remarks follow.

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Special Order on Federal Employees

February 5, 2025

I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

These are unprecedented and extraordinarily difficult times for our federal employees.  The Trump administration seems intent on dismantling much of the federal government, in violation of the Constitution, federal statutes and federal regulations. The administration has relentlessly attacked federal employees, subjecting them to chaos and fear.  The administration has imposed a hiring freeze, offered deferred resignation, fired employees, put employees on leave, effectively reestablished Schedule F, and ended telework and remote work.

The administration is not alone in attacking federal employees.  The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, on which I serve, has held two hearings this Congress, and both were designed to demonize federal employees.  As I said at the first hearing, federal employees deserve praise for their expertise, dedication and service – not derision.

Let’s be clear what is motivating these actions.  They are designed to get experts to quit the federal workforce. They want to gut the nonpartisan civil service and to convert a significant portion of the remaining civil service into political appointees.  Depriving the federal government of their expertise and experience will harm the services that the federal government provides to all Americans.

Federal employees should be applauded for their expertise, tireless work and efforts on behalf of the American people.  Thousands of civilian federal employees have given their lives in the line of duty for their country.

I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to use all the legislative, oversight and communication tools at our disposal to fight back against these attacks on federal employees.

I yield back. 

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