Build deep political appointee benches below senior levels
Mandate urges robust cadres of political staff just below senior levels so departments can fill unexpected vacancies despite civil-service and Federal Vacancies Reform Act constraints.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 1 (White House Office) — PPO: whatever one’s view of the constitutionality of various civil service rules (for example, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998), ensure departments and agencies have robust cadres of political staff just below senior levels in the event of unexpected vacancies.
Undo plan
1) Cap political billets below PAS/Schedule C leadership; restore career SES/Deputy slots as the default acting pipeline under FVRA.
2) Enforce FVRA time limits and eligibility; litigate or legislate against abusive acting designations.
3) Require agencies to maintain succession plans naming career officials for continuity of operations.
4) Codify reporting to Congress on acting officials exceeding statutory windows.
5) Verify: GAO/CRS tracking of acting officials; ratio of career vs political deputies by agency.