SUMMARY:  Yesterday the Senate confirmed Cathy Harris to be a Member of the MSPB.

On a party-line vote of 48 to 46, the Senate confirmed Cathy Harris to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB or Board), which protects federal merit systems against partisan political and other prohibited personnel practices by adjudicating employee appeals. 

Prior to the Senate confirming two of the three MSPB Members in March, the MSPB had been without a quorum on its board since January 2017, leading to a backlog of over 3,400 cases.  This left the Board unable to issue decisions on whistleblower or other merit system disputes, leaving employees in a state of limbo.  NTEU endorsed Ms. Harris, who is well qualified for this position and has a long career as a federal employment attorney.  Her confirmation will further help the MSPB tackle the backlog of cases. 

I will keep you updated on additional developments.

                                                                                    Anthony M. Reardon

                                                                                    National President