Susan Walsh/AP
Ted Cruz Wants to Reform Federal Hiring
Lawmaker better known as the architect of the 2013 shutdown looks to add a hiring preference.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is better known for blocking federal employees from working than he is for helping them get a job.
The man often cited as the architect of the 2013 government shutdown is, perhaps, attempting to change that perception. Cruz and Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., have backed a measure to give certain individuals an advantage when applying for federal positions.
The 2015 Military Reserve Jobs Act would provide members of the National Guard and reservists a leg up when starting up careers in the civil service by making them eligible for veterans’ preference. While federal agencies have largely ditched the veterans point system -- as part of an Office of Personnel Management reform in 2010 -- in favor of a category-based approach, the bill would enable a reservist to claim a two or three-point preference, depending on length of service.
“Our nation has asked much of its armed forces during the past 14 years of conflict, and our reserve and National Guard components have performed exceptionally,” Cruz said. “It is due to their contributions that the United States has been able to provide an unprecedented level of sustained combat capability. Americans who serve in the reserves or National Guard should receive appropriate access and opportunity for federal employment in recognition of their patriotic sacrifice.”
Only current reservists would qualify for the hiring preference under the proposal. National Guardsmen or reservists would receive a two-point preference for serving six years of satisfactory service, while those serving 10 years of satisfactory service would receive a three-point preference. Currently, reservists who never deploy are not eligible for any hiring preference.
Cruz and Donnelly said 44 percent of Army National Guard soldiers and 70 percent of National Guard airmen do not qualify for any advantage when applying for civilian federal jobs.
“These men and women have shown their commitment to protecting our national security and public safety by joining the National Guard or reserves, and deserve preference in the federal hiring process,” Donnelly said. “This bipartisan bill respects the unique service and sacrifice of our overseas combat veterans, while recognizing the contributions of Guard members and Reservists.”
Federal hiring preference for veterans has received some criticism in recent years, with detractors arguing it makes the process overly convoluted. In a recent survey conducted by Government Executive’s research arm, 68 percent of respondents said vets’ preference sometimes prevents the best candidate from receiving the job.