Six Places a New Congress Could Look First on Federal Workforce Accountability
The new Congress gets subpoena power in January, so federal employees are asking where accountability on federal workforce issues could start. Here are 6 places Congress could start:
1. DOGE and Your Data
The fork-in-the-road email, the "five things you did this week" email, and DOGE's access to systems at Treasury, OPM, and the Social Security Administration that hold employee data. His questions: who authorized that access, and where did your records go?
2. The Shutdown-Era RIFs
Budget director Russell Vought announced that reductions in force (RIFs) had begun in the middle of a shutdown. He says a judge blocked those RIFs and Congress reversed them. His question: who planned it?
3. The Probationary Firings
In February 2025, tens of thousands of probationary employees received a form letter blaming their performance. A federal judge ruled the directive behind those letters unlawful and ordered agencies to tell employees in writing that it was not about their performance. Who wrote the template?
4. The Union Order
One executive order removed collective bargaining from most of the federal workforce. Two federal judges found it likely unlawful, but appeals courts let it stay in effect while the cases continue. His question: who decided your contract did not count?
5. Schedule Policy/Career
Roughly eight thousand positions are losing civil service protections under Schedule Policy/Career. Who picked those jobs, and why those?
6. The Shutdown and the Pre-Election Emails
The shutdown lasted forty-three days, the longest ever, and employees worked without pay while some agency out-of-office messages blamed one party. Days before the election, IRS and Social Security accounts also emailed praise for the president. Who approved those emails?
Top Three Prediction
Shaun Southworth's picks are DOGE and your data, the probationary firings, and Schedule Policy/Career.
What This Means for You
Congressional hearings, if they happen, will take time, and they do not change your own deadlines or rights in the meantime. If you received a probationary termination letter, a RIF notice, or another adverse notice, keep copies of every document and email, write down the dates, and find out what deadlines are running now. Do not wait for Congress to act before you protect your own position.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Federal employment situations are fact-specific and time-sensitive. Please consult a qualified federal employment attorney about your specific situation. You can contact Southworth PC at attorneysforfederalemployees.com.