More Lawmakers Request Hiring Freeze Exemptions

Following reports that several military bases have had to shut down childcare programs due to the hiring freeze, two Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (OGR) sent a letter requesting an exemption from the freeze.

OGR Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, sent the request to acting Army Secretary Robert Spicer.

“Our military men and women should be able to protect our country without having to worry about who will care for their children,” read the letter.

Under guidance issued by the Defense Department, civilian positions “providing child care to the children of military personnel” are eligible to be filled pending permission from the service chief.

The letter requests a list of steps being taken to address exemptions, including those for childcare providers.

A number of other House and Senate members have sent letters regarding hiring freeze exemptions, in addition to introducing several pieces of legislation that would carve out other areas of exemption.