Capping Appointed Positions Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill seeks to limit the number of politically appointed positions in the federal executive branch, potentially reducing presidential control over the bureaucracy and promoting a more career-oriented civil service.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a numerical cap of 1,600 on the total number of Schedule C and Schedule G positions within the executive branch of the Federal Government. This limitation would take effect for fiscal year 2027 and all subsequent fiscal years, aiming to restrict the number of politically appointed roles that are confidential or policy-determining in nature.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that limiting the number of Schedule C and Schedule G positions will curb the politicization of the federal bureaucracy, ensuring that more government functions are carried out by non-partisan career civil servants. They contend that an excessive number of political appointees can undermine institutional knowledge, create instability, and lead to a less effective government, and that this bill promotes accountability and efficiency by reducing the potential for patronage.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that such a cap unduly restricts a President's ability to implement their agenda by limiting their capacity to appoint individuals aligned with their policy goals to key positions. They may contend that Schedule C and G positions are essential for ensuring responsiveness and loyalty within the executive branch, and that a rigid numerical limit could hinder effective governance and the ability to adapt to new policy priorities.
The bill is exceptionally short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its core provision.
Section 2
Limitation on Schedule C and Schedule G Positions
This section mandates that starting in fiscal year 2027, the total number of positions classified under Schedule C and Schedule G in the executive branch cannot exceed 1,600. Schedule C positions are those of a confidential or policy-determining nature, while Schedule G was created by Executive Order 14317 for positions requiring a close working relationship with senior officials. This provision effectively sets a hard ceiling on the number of political appointees in these specific categories.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this cap will reduce the politicization of the federal workforce, ensuring that more government functions are performed by experienced, non-partisan career professionals. They believe it will enhance stability, institutional knowledge, and accountability within federal agencies by limiting the churn and potential for patronage associated with an expanding political appointee class.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this limitation could hamstring a President's ability to effectively implement their policy agenda by restricting their capacity to place trusted personnel in key policy-determining and confidential roles. They might argue that a President needs a certain degree of flexibility to shape the executive branch in line with their electoral mandate, and this bill imposes an arbitrary and counterproductive constraint.
Tradeoffs
The bill navigates the tension between ensuring a responsive executive branch aligned with presidential policy goals and maintaining a professional, non-partisan civil service. It trades off presidential flexibility in appointments for increased stability and perceived neutrality in government operations.