President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the federal government’s personnel bureau faced scrutiny from Democrats over the administration’s actions to fire thousands of workers.
Scott Kupor was hesitant to answer many specific questions from Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at Thursday’s hearing on his nomination to direct the Office of Personnel Management.
But he defended Trump’s desire to significantly downsize the government workforce, while committing to do so transparently and with concern for workers’ dignity.
For the panel’s Democrats, led by ranking member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the hearing was a chance to push back against what they see as indiscriminate cuts that have reduced the effectiveness of government services like veterans’ health and heating assistance.
