Troy Carter Condemns Efforts to Undermine Federal Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA) delivered a passionate address on the House floor this week, condemning former President Donald Trump’s efforts to weaken the federal workforce, warning that these proposed changes could disrupt essential government services and compromise the integrity of the civil service system.

Carter, a member of the Labor Caucus, expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate longstanding protections for federal employees, particularly through the contentious “Schedule F” executive order. The order aimed to reclassify thousands of career civil servants, making it easier to dismiss them based on political loyalty rather than professional qualifications.

“These professionals ensure our food is safe, our air and water are clean, our veterans receive care, and our communities remain protected,” said Carter. “They are not political pawns; they are dedicated public servants who form the backbone of our government.”

Carter emphasized that more than 85% of federal employees work outside the Washington, D.C., area, meaning the effects of such policies would be felt across the nation, including in Carter's own district in New Orleans and the River Parishes of Louisiana. He warned that efforts to fire federal workers would lead to delays in Social Security payments, longer wait times for veterans' healthcare, and fewer law enforcement officers on the street, negatively impacting communities nationwide.

“These attacks are not just against workers in Washington; they are an attack on every congressional district in this nation,” he said.

The congressman also criticized the Trump administration's proposed deferred resignation plan, which would allow federal workers to receive benefits until September 30, 2025, but lacks clear legal standing. Carter expressed concern that such a proposal could leave workers vulnerable to retaliation, job loss, and legal uncertainty.

“This is a calculated effort to undermine the efficiency of our government and reduce vital services,” Carter stated. “Simply put, it’s a sham.”

In his remarks, Carter denounced broader attempts to erode labor rights, specifically the administration’s union-busting tactics and attacks on collective bargaining agreements. He stressed that the right to collective bargaining is a fundamental principle that must be preserved.

“The right to collective bargaining is a basic human right,” he declared. “These agreements must be honored, and the integrity of labor protections must be defended.”

Carter concluded by reaffirming his commitment to stand with federal workers in the fight to protect their jobs, rights, and dignity. He pledged that the Labor Caucus would continue to oppose any policies that seek to politicize the federal workforce or undermine civil service protections.

“We will not allow political interference to tear down the pillars of our government,” he said. “The American people deserve a government that works for them, not for partisan gain. And I stand ready to fight for the federal workers who keep our nation running.”