Ensuring Continued Accountability in Federal Hiring

Key Points

• Most federal jobs stay frozen unless approved; new positions can’t be created without sign-off. Security, immigration, and public safety roles get first priority.
• Every agency must set up a Strategic Hiring Committee that reviews and approves each hire.
• Agencies must file a yearly staffing plan and give quarterly updates to the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget.
• Political appointees and some high-level or security roles are exempt. The personnel office can grant more exceptions case by case.
• Agencies can’t use contractors to dodge the limits. The order says Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits will not be harmed. Job seekers should expect fewer openings outside security fields.