Duval Times

On February 18, 2025, Senator Rick Scott introduced the Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025. This legislation aims to reinstate merit-based hiring in the federal government. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Tommy Tuberville joined Scott in this effort.

The proposed bill seeks to codify a recent executive order by President Trump that ended what he described as discriminatory hiring practices within federal agencies. According to Senator Rick Scott, "President Trump is right — in order to make the federal government work best for the American people, the federal workforce must hire based on merit above all else."

Senator Marsha Blackburn criticized diversity mandates, stating they have harmed institutions by focusing on external attributes rather than individual ability. She said, "This bill would reform the federal hiring process by ensuring opportunities are based on individual merit and work ethic."

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith supported the bill as it aligns with efforts to prioritize qualifications over social agendas. She stated that current practices are warped by radical social agendas.

Senator Tommy Tuberville emphasized removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from hiring practices. He expressed concern over ideological divisions and praised President Trump's actions: "Thank God President Trump is restoring merit-based hiring practices to our government."

The Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025 outlines several key points:

- It emphasizes recruiting individuals who improve governmental efficiency and uphold constitutional values.

- It eliminates DEI considerations in hiring decisions.

- It updates procedures with a streamlined timeline of no more than 80 days.

- It holds agencies accountable through performance metrics set by the Office of Personnel Management.

This legislation follows executive actions taken by President Trump aimed at reforming federal hiring processes.