James Lankford

I want this panel to know that we are very interested in hearing the specific ideas because we want to help in this process.

So your statement is the probation period for them, that one year time period starts when they have only really seen them for 2 months because it started earlier.

Let me just throw one thing in there as well.

That would be helpful to us as we get a chance to look at the workforce, because obviously we want to look at why there is a decline in one area.

I think program implementation is extraordinarily important.

This is an issue that hurts high-performing teams.

OK. Other ideas and thoughts?

Why for Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans, what is your perception?

We are trying to gather other insight from other individuals as well.

If we are serious about ensuring that the Federal Government can address the problems facing society, then, simply put, our elected officials must stop attacking the Federal workforce.

I appreciate our witnesses being here.

We are sponsoring a resolution recognizing the first week of May as Public Service Recognition Week.

I have met a lot, and it is a great group of people.

And even in your description there, Mr. Cox, talking about all the different lanes that they could get in through the process.

Redemption is always better. I will take that every time.

I think it is time for some different things.

It seems that the GS system allows them to continue to move up if they supervise more people, and so they have to make that jump.

OK. Would your recommendation on the SES be that it is a longer or shorter--and I would agree, by the way. It does not to be a one-size-fits-all.

These stories represent the importance of congressional oversight.

We understand well that we are very grateful to people who choose to serve their country through Federal service.

My time is up. There has not been an economic study on the impact of this?

I do have some very serious concerns on the shift and the franchise rules as well, because of the way the definition is sitting out there.

This has been pending for 10 months. Do you know when this decision is going to be made by the Board?

My concern is this creates this artificial wall that actually diminishes the quality of our businesses, diminishes the incentive to start new franchises, and puts this fear into franchisors that I cannot really engage with the quality…

I know this is hypothetical, but you are wading into territory that has serious long term implications for our economy and for a lot of people that want to start small businesses, and I would tell you to tread carefully.