Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced the Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025, a bill designed to end DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) hiring practices, and a restore merit-based system for selecting government employees. The legislation attempts to codify President Donald Trump's (R) Executive Order relating to this very issue.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) co-sponsored this bill.
Sen. Scott began by saying that the left side of the aisle had successfully exercised radical DEI practices in the federal government, but President Trump's Executive Order and this bill are looking to change the status quo.
“For years, Democrats have pushed radicalized policies into the innermost workings of our government, spending tax dollars against Americans’ own best interests. 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," said Sen. Scott.
The Florida senator continued by saying the federal government should be operating like small businesses, not vice versa.
"Just like in any business and any job outside of the federal government, our federal agencies should be choosing the best-qualified candidate to show up and get to work for the American people. I encourage my colleagues to pass this good bill that codifies the President’s action so we can make Washington work better for American families," said Sen. Scott.
According to Scott's press release, Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025 will attempt to accomplish the following:
- Restores Merit to the Hiring Process: Prioritizes the recruitment of individuals who are committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, upholding the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States and are passionate about the ideals of our nation.
- Eliminates DEI Hiring: Prevents the appointment of any individual based on race, sex or religion.
- Updates Hiring Procedures: Improves the overall hiring process for individuals by establishing a hiring timeline of no more than 80 days, offers a more streamlined communications process with candidates and integrates modern technology to support agencies with the recruitment and selection process. This legislation ensures that the heads, or designees, of agencies are active participants in the new processes.
- Holds Agencies Accountable: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish performance metrics to evaluate the success of the new hiring procedures.
