On July 17, 2025, the White House issued an order to establish Schedule G in the excepted service, specifically aimed at noncareer positions that involve policy-making or policy-advocating tasks. This move addresses a gap in the existing excepted service schedules, which include other categories but previously lacked a designation for noncareer roles of this nature. The creation of Schedule G aims to enhance governmental operations by allowing appointments that align with the President’s policies while ensuring that political affiliations of appointees are not considered.

The order outlines the purposes and definitions associated with the new Schedule G, stating that appointments under this schedule are intended for positions expected to change with presidential transitions. It also amends existing civil service rules to include Schedule G alongside other schedules such as A, B, C, D, and E, thereby incorporating it into the broader framework governing the excepted service. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is tasked with implementing the necessary regulations for this order, ensuring that the new schedule functions effectively within the existing legal and administrative framework.

In summary, the establishment of Schedule G represents a strategic adjustment in the federal hiring process aimed at enhancing the responsiveness and efficiency of government agencies, particularly regarding policy development and advocacy. The order emphasizes that while political alignment with the President’s agenda is a criterion for appointment, considerations of political affiliation or activity will not influence the selection of individuals for these roles. This initiative reflects an ongoing effort to streamline the appointment process within the federal government, especially concerning the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Original: article