OPM Defends Telework, Opposes Schedule F Amid Oversight Criticism

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is defending a new rule to prevent the return of Schedule F, a Trump-era policy that made it easier to fire career federal employees in policymaking positions. Acting OPM Director Rob Shriver argued that Schedule F would undermine civil service protections and deter qualified individuals from joining the federal workforce. Democrats are pushing to codify the rule into law, while Republicans argue that Schedule F would prevent federal employees from undermining administration policies. Additionally, OPM is supporting telework amid a push for federal employees to return to the office, noting that federal workers are returning faster than the private sector.