Chaffetz Talks Changes to Feds’ Job Security and Retirement

This week, Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, spoke out about his intent to reform federal employees’ retirement benefits and job security.

On Monday, he noted that, with a Republican in the White House and a unified Republican government, he will be able to focus on the “reform” part of his job description. Headlining his agenda are legislative changes such as the elimination of defined-benefit pensions for new federal employees and removing red tape for agencies to dismiss employees accused of sexual misconduct.

He plans to push the committee to move new federal hires to receive only a defined-contribution benefit, such as the Thrift Savings Plan. Chaffetz also maintained that employees already vested in their pensions would should not worry about losing that benefit.

Additionally, Chaffetz noted that his committee would be looking into ways to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

“There are a lot of good, quality workers,” Chaffetz said, “but there are too many of them.”

While he has asserted his interest in tackling many issues related to civil service reform, he maintains that a piecemeal approach is more appropriate than comprehensive.

“Civil service reform is something I want to engage in, but it’s going to take some time,” Chaffetz said. “It’s not going to happen on Jan. 21st.”

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who also sits on the Oversight Committee, cautioned Republicans against effort that could undermine efforts to recruit new workers, particularly when many in the federal workforce are eligible for retirement.