On the recordNovember 2, 2023
This amendment would prohibit the EPA from hiring scientists using its title 42 authority. Title 42 authority is a flexible hiring mechanism that allows agencies to attract and retain staff with outstanding scientific, technical, and clinical skills. The authority is used by the EPA, CDC, NIH, and other agencies that require candidates to have specialized degrees in areas such as medicine, science, and engineering. It is not always easy for the Federal Government to attract high- level professionals who have invested many years in school and can easily make more in private practice or even in academia. That is why the Federal Government allows these agencies to provide some additional funding to retain or recruit these employees. Mr. Chair, I am dismayed that the gentleman does not believe such highly specialized employees deserve title 42 recognition. With our Nation facing crises like COVID and climate change, we should be investing in our scientists. It is a shortsighted amendment that unfairly attacks Federal employees who devote their lives to public service. Mr. Chair, I urge the defeat of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
