Union of Concerned Scientists Inc.

01/21/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/22/2025 09:12

Trump reinstates rule making it easier to fire federal employees

"Schedule F undermines the integrity of the federal workforce by essentially turning career civil servants into political appointees expected to do the bidding of the president rather than reliable and steady work that spans consecutive administrations.

"Without experienced and impartial federal scientists, our access to clean air and clean water could be threatened, as critical research and regulations might be delayed or ignored. Fewer qualified inspectors in agencies like the Food and Drug Administration could lead to lapses in food and drug safety. Environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and public health initiatives could be weakened by a politicized workforce.

"Federal scientists dedicate their careers to serving the public. They protect us from environmental hazards, ensure the safety of the food we eat, and uphold evidence-based decision-making in critical areas like health care, transportation, and climate policy.

"We urge the federal workforce to remain steadfast in its commitment to truth and serving the public good and lawmakers to take swift action to block this reckless policy. A politicized and destabilized federal workforce weakens the foundation of our democracy and may endanger the lives of the nation's people."

Additional UCS resources:

The Trump Administration's Plans to Fire Federal Science Workers is Not a Done Deal,blog

The Trump Administration Playbook Likely to Target Science and Scientists - We're Ready to Fight Back, blog

An Open Letter to Federal Science Workers in the Second Trump Administration, blog

Save Science, Save Lives, information about UCS' campaign to protect federal science and scientists