http://www.hlswatch.com/2007/10/30/chairmen-thompson-bids-farewell-to-depsec-jackson/ News and analysis of critical issues in homeland security today. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:50:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 http://www.hlswatch.com/2007/10/30/chairmen-thompson-bids-farewell-to-depsec-jackson/#comment-81391 William R. Cumming Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:08:22 +0000 http://www.hlswatch.com/2007/10/30/chairmen-thompson-bids-farewell-to-depsec-jackson/#comment-81391 It is difficult to follow the OPM list publishing all the PAS, non-career SES, and schedule C positions in FEMA. The OPM comprehensive list usually is published in March each year. But 2008 is different. Each department and agency is under a requirement to send GAO a letter each month of career positions that have been filled by a former non-career employee. This has multiple purposes but could be interesting. And of course there is always the publication of the infamous "Plum" or "Prune" book each election year for the Executive Brance. Personally, I believe that Chairman Thompson should limit non-career types in DHS by statute. Use the average ratio of all civil departments to establish the suggested correct number. Also, the Dual-compensation Act which was enacted as a reform because the so-called "Dollar-A-Year" men in WWII continued to be paid their full salaries by the companies they formerly worked for, availability of agreements between DHS appointees and their former employees should be divulged to both the Ethics staff of DHS and of course for PAS level the Senate Committee holding confirmation hearings. By the way, GAO issued a report earlier this year finding that DHS neither complied with no understood the Federal Vacancy Reform Act. How is DHS doing on that score? GAO is charged with enforcement responsibility for that statute. By my informal estimate at least 800 positions in DHS were filled after at least informally vetting for political beliefs by the powers that be. It is difficult to follow the OPM list publishing all the PAS, non-career SES, and schedule C positions in FEMA. The OPM comprehensive list usually is published in March each year.
But 2008 is different. Each department and agency is under a requirement to send GAO a letter each month of career positions that have been filled by a former non-career employee. This has multiple purposes but could be interesting. And of course there is always the publication of the infamous “Plum” or “Prune” book each election year for the Executive Brance.
Personally, I believe that Chairman Thompson should limit non-career types in DHS by statute. Use the average ratio of all civil departments to establish the suggested correct number. Also, the Dual-compensation Act which was enacted as a reform because the so-called “Dollar-A-Year” men in WWII continued to be paid their full salaries by the companies they formerly worked for, availability of agreements between DHS appointees and their former employees should be divulged to both the Ethics staff of DHS and of course for PAS level the Senate Committee holding confirmation hearings.
By the way, GAO issued a report earlier this year finding that DHS neither complied with no understood the Federal Vacancy Reform Act. How is DHS doing on that score? GAO is charged with enforcement responsibility for that statute.
By my informal estimate at least 800 positions in DHS were filled after at least informally vetting for political beliefs by the powers that be.

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