Hoyer Statement in Opposition to Republican Bill Targeting Federal Employees

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today in opposition to H.R. 249, a Republican bill that unfairly targets federal employees:

"I strongly oppose this latest attempt to defame and demoralize our federal employees, who have been working hard to address our nation's most pressing challenges. Nobody who engages in tax delinquency should be given a free pass, but this bill would force agencies to fire employees or prohibit them from hiring anyone who has received notice of a tax lien, which is not a final determination by the IRS of liability. This is an uncertain standard to use when determining if someone is, in fact, delinquent on his or her taxes.

"Time after time, week after week, federal employees are being disparaged and unfairly targeted. Instead of demagoguing these hardworking public servants, Congress ought to be finding ways to recruit and retain the best and brightest by recognizing the great contributions by our federal employees, who are middle-class workers.

"I encourage my colleagues to oppose this bill, and instead let us demonstrate to our federal employees that we respect them and value their service to our nation."