Number: RL34706
Title: Federal Personnel: Conversion of Employees from Appointed (Noncareer) Positions to Career Positions in the Executive Branch
Authors: Barbara L. Schwemle, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: In the 110th Congress, staffing at the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) has been of particular interest. Both departments received letters from Members of Congress reminding them to examine conversions: the Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Representative Bennie Thompson, wrote to the DHS Secretary in February 2008, and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Charles Schumer, members of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, wrote to the Attorney General in July 2008 about this issue. In assessing the current situation, Congress may decide that the existing oversight is sufficient. If Congress determines that additional measures are needed, OPM, and the departments and agencies, could be directed to include information on conversions in their annual performance plans accompanying the budget justifications. The Government Accountability Office and OPM could be asked to explore options that might result in their recommending and taking timely remedial actions that are seen as necessary to address conversions that occurred under improper procedures.
Pages: 11
Date: October 14, 2008