CONGRESSIONAL FEDERAL WORKFORCE CAUCUS LAUNCHES

TO PROMOTE FEDERAL WORKER PROTECTIONS

In February 2026, a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced the creation of the Federal Workforce Caucus, a new congressional group dedicated to strengthening and protecting America’s federal workforce.

The caucus is led by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Representatives James Walkinshaw of Virginia and Steny Hoyer of Maryland. It brings together members from both the House and Senate, reflecting shared interest across party lines in improving how the federal government recruits, supports, and retains its employees.

Federal workers serve in nearly every area of public life, including public health, national security, veterans’ care, disaster response, and environmental protection. Supporters of the caucus say these employees are essential to effective government and deserve clear protections and modern workplace policies.

Lawmakers formed the caucus in response to growing concerns about staffing shortages, workforce morale, and political pressure within federal agencies. In recent years, debates over hiring practices, job security, and agency independence have raised questions about the long-term stability of the civil service.

The Federal Workforce Caucus aims to promote merit-based hiring, protect nonpartisan public service, and ensure that federal employees can carry out their duties without political interference. Members also plan to improve recruitment and retention, expand training opportunities, modernize pay systems, and strengthen whistleblower protections.

In addition, the caucus intends to serve as a forum for lawmakers to hear directly from federal workers and agency leaders about workplace challenges and operational needs. Through hearings, policy discussions, and legislative proposals, members hope to develop practical solutions that strengthen government performance.

Supporters believe the new caucus represents a long-term commitment to preserving a professional, independent, and effective federal workforce — one that can continue to meet the nation’s needs in an increasingly complex policy environment and that will play an increasingly influential role in shaping congressional debates on federal employment and civil service reform.

Press Release: Van Hollen, Walkinshaw, Hoyer Launch the Federal Workforce Caucus

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