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OPM Expands Removal Powers; GOP Probes Federal Tax Delinquencies

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Office of Personnel Management finalized regulations expanding its authority to remove federal employees for suitability or misconduct, effective July 30.
Republicans on the House Oversight and Reform Committee announced an investigation of tax delinquency among federal workers under the new suitability standards.
Critics, including Jenny Mattingly of the Partnership for Public Service, say the expanded criteria—untimely tax filings, NDA refusals, and property misuse—could undermine civil-service protections and exceed OPM’s capacity.

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Story summary

The Office of Personnel Management finalized regulations expanding its authority to remove federal employees for suitability or misconduct, effective July 30.
Republicans on the House Oversight and Reform Committee announced an investigation of tax delinquency among federal workers under the new suitability standards.
Critics, including Jenny Mattingly of the Partnership for Public Service, say the expanded criteria—untimely tax filings, NDA refusals, and property misuse—could undermine civil-service protections and exceed OPM’s capacity.