Bill · S. 591· Senate(119-S-591)
Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 2/13/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025 aims to reform the Federal hiring process and restore merit to government service. It directs the creation of a Federal Hiring Plan to ensure agencies recruit highly skilled individuals dedicated to the interests of the United States. The plan seeks to prioritize candidates committed to government efficiency and the rule of law while preventing appointments based on race, sex, or religion. Additionally, the bill mandates faster appointment timelines of less than 80 days and the use of modern technology for recruitment. The Office of Personnel Management will be responsible for establishing performance metrics to evaluate the success of this new plan.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would white Americans be better off under this?+3
The bill shifts hiring focus toward merit and away from diversity-based equity factors.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires agencies to provide greater clarity regarding application status and feedback to candidates.
Is this likely to create jobs?+2
The bill seeks to increase efficiency and speed in the federal hiring process.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?-7
The bill aims to prevent the consideration of gender identity in the hiring process.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?-6
The bill seeks to prevent the use of race or equity-based factors in the appointment process.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?-5
The bill restricts the ability to use race-based equity considerations in federal hiring.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Efficiency and Speed: The bill requires that the time to appoint an individual to a position be less than 80 days from the date the position is first listed (Section 4(b)(4)). This could benefit job seekers by reducing long waiting periods.
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Improved Communication: The proposed Federal Hiring Plan aims to improve communication with candidates by providing greater clarity on application status, timelines, and feedback (Section 4(b)(5)). This would provide applicants with regular updates and explanations regarding appointment decisions.
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Modernized Recruitment: The Act calls for the integration of modern technology, including data analytics and digital platforms, to improve candidate engagement and the selection process (Section 4(b)(6)).
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Focus on Merit and Skill: The bill seeks to bring highly skilled people into the Federal workforce by prioritizing technical and alternative assessments (Section 4(a) and Section 4(b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Diversity Factors: The bill seeks to prevent the appointment of individuals based on race, sex, or religion (Section 4(b)(2)(A)). According to the bill's findings, this is intended to prevent factors such as "illegal racial discrimination under the guise of 'equity'" and the concept of "gender identity" over sex (Section 3(3)).
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No Legal Recourse: The Act explicitly states that it does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, that can be enforced at law or in equity by any party against the United States or its agencies (Section 6(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For White Americans+3Good For L G B T Q Community-7Good For African Americans-5Good For Asian Americans-5Good For Hispanic Americans-5Good For Native Americans-5Good For Women-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity-6Improves L G B T Q Rights-5
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+1
- 2/13/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama