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Sarbanes Statement on Trump’s Federal Hiring Freeze Reversal

April 12, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement today after President Trump announced that his administration would lift its federal hiring freeze but continue to pursue deep spending cuts to federal agencies:

"From the outset, it was clear President Trump's ill-advised federal hiring freeze would not only be unworkable, but also compromise the ability of the government to serve the American people. It is right for the president back away from this harmful policy. At the same time, I am deeply concerned by the Trump administration's announcement to advance its draconian federal budget cuts. Like the hiring freeze, the proposed cuts to federal agencies will undermine the services that the government provides to the American people. The cuts will also threaten the job security of our nation's civil servants and worsen their morale.

"If President Trump was serious and clear-eyed about ‘draining the swamp' – his reported rationale for slashing agency funding – he would focus his energy and attention on real reforms, like the "By the People" legislative agenda. He would also address the innumerable conflicts of interest and ethical issues surrounding his administration. This includes completely separating himself from his business assets and releasing his tax returns to the American people. Then, and only then, will President Trump be able to truly deliver on his promise to clean up Washington and prove that he is putting the interests of the American people first."

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