U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has joined a group of lawmakers in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus, an initiative aimed at supporting federal workers and strengthening the merit-based civil service system. The caucus, announced alongside Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and 21 other colleagues, seeks to protect federal employees from political interference and ensure they can continue their work for the American public.
“The federal workforce is integral to our country and our communities, helping American families and businesses thrive. As this regime attacks federal workers and the critical work they do, I am proud to join this caucus, which will advance policies that support federal workers and the communities they serve,” said Senator Hirono. “As part of this caucus, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring federal workers are recognized, protected, and receive the support they need to confront challenges and provide for the public.”
The caucus aims to serve as a forum for members of Congress to support the federal civilian workforce, uphold nonpartisan employment practices, improve recruitment and retention across agencies, highlight positive stories about government programs, develop data-driven modernization policies in areas such as pay competitiveness and professional development, and facilitate dialogue with stakeholders including current and former employees.
Several leaders of organizations representing federal employees expressed support for the new caucus. Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, stated: “Over the past year, people and communities have protested, lawyers have sued, and courts have issued orders to protect our civil servants. It is an honor today to mark the establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral congressional caucus to support the people who work for all us – our nonpartisan, merit-based civil service. The Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus could not come at a more pivotal time. As the Trump-Vance administration and its allies escalate threats to our nation’s elections, our nation’s communities, and our nation’s civil servants, it is time to use all tools our democracy provides to push back and move forward. We are grateful to these lawmakers for taking an important step to protect and strengthen the civil service not just for today, but for the ability to build the people-centered government we all will need in the future.”
Eric Bunn Sr., National Secretary-Treasurer at AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees), commented: “After a traumatic year for the civil service, including a 43-day government shutdown and unprecedented mass firings, this Caucus is very timely. Your members’ expertise and commitment will amplify the voice of the federal civilian workforce when it matters most. AFGE stands ready to support and work with the Caucus. Our country depends on it.”
Max Stier of Partnership for Public Service added: “The federal workforce has endured unimaginable harm, with over 300,000 employees separated, agencies wiped out and previously nonpartisan institutions politicized. Congress must stand for federal workers, and I believe the Federal Workforce Caucus will provide the venue to press for oversight and serve as a gathering place for all members who have constituents who rely on well-functioning government services.”
Randy Erwin from NFFE said: “The federal workforce is essential to a legitimate democratic republic, yet our civil service is increasingly under attack – politically, structurally, and rhetorically. These attacks weaken public accountability, lawful administration, and the quality of services Americans rely on every single day. The Federal Workforce Caucus will ensure the civil service is protected and strengthened… Thank you to the co-chairs of the Caucus – Senator Van Hollen, and Representatives Walkinshaw and Hoyer – for your continued support of federal employees.”
Lee Saunders from AFSCME noted: “The federal public service workers who help keep our communities running deserve dignity… Unfortunately anti-worker politicians continue to exploit them… In last year alone… fired arbitrarily… stripped collective bargaining rights… furloughed without pay during shutdown.” He praised efforts like Sen. Van Hollen’s True Shutdown Fairness Act.
Matthew Biggs from IFPTE said: “IFPTE welcomes launch… Over past year… witnessed unprecedented political interference…” He called on Congress members from both parties “to join …and work uphold …merit system principles…”
NTEU President Doreen Greenwald also expressed appreciation: “NTEU applauds Senator Van Hollen …for launching …to highlight work …facing federal workers across country… appreciate dedicated effort …make strengthen nonpartisan civil service…”
Senator Hirono represents Hawaii in Congress as its first female senator as well as being recognized as the first Asian American woman elected to serve in that chamber. She provides assistance with issues related to Social Security claims or veterans benefits through her office (official website). Hirono immigrated from Japan as a child before earning degrees from University of Hawaii at Manoa (Phi Beta Kappa) and Georgetown University Law Center (official website).
Other Senate members joining include Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Edward Markey (D-MA), Mark Warner (D-VA). House participants include Don Beyer (D-VA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Mike Lawler (R-NY), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) among others.
