I agree that Schedule F represents a mortal threat to competent government, but we’ve seen a hint of it in action already under Trump. The US system of political appointees at multiple levels at the top of departments and agencies is supposed to have some check through the Senate confirmation process and oversight accountability. That system was completely breaking down during the latter years of the Trump Admin when he took to appointing “actings” everywhere he could legally get away with it (and even not legally, see DHS).
"Personnel is policy" is dogma in Heritage circles. It will destroy a bureaucracy whose most difficult challenges are navigating political battles between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Its aim is to empower civil servants to enforce only those laws that serve the interests of the President's party. That's dangerous for our democracy. Moreover, people selected for this purpose will not necessarily be any better at administering the laws that are enforced.
Just a nit - it’s Jonny not Paul McEntee.
I agree that Schedule F represents a mortal threat to competent government, but we’ve seen a hint of it in action already under Trump. The US system of political appointees at multiple levels at the top of departments and agencies is supposed to have some check through the Senate confirmation process and oversight accountability. That system was completely breaking down during the latter years of the Trump Admin when he took to appointing “actings” everywhere he could legally get away with it (and even not legally, see DHS).
Most significant gong you are well placed to bang. Please continue.
"Personnel is policy" is dogma in Heritage circles. It will destroy a bureaucracy whose most difficult challenges are navigating political battles between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Its aim is to empower civil servants to enforce only those laws that serve the interests of the President's party. That's dangerous for our democracy. Moreover, people selected for this purpose will not necessarily be any better at administering the laws that are enforced.