They argued the rationale means virtually the entire federal workforce would be considered “inferior officers” and therefore not entitled to civil service protections, effectively making them at-will workers. The lawmakers further contended that MSPB’s ruling runs contrary to Congress’ intent in the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act. From their positions leading OPM, the two former officials argued in their brief that civil service protections are meant to strengthen the federal workforce — and that removing those protections would weaken and politicize the civil service. “Civil service protections are not about insulating poor performance or limiting accountability,” said Shriver, former OPM acting director under the Biden administration. Weakening those protections would make government less effective and leave every future president with a less capable federal workforce.”