Horizon cutting-room links: Wednesday, 30 July

"All Schedule G employees require White House approval, OPM says," Federal News Network

The Trump administration stated all Schedule G hires will require review and approval from the White House, mirroring the process for Schedule C positions. This new classification is intended to enhance agencies' ability to appoint political appointees while ensuring alignment with presidential priorities.

• The introduction of Schedule G is seen as a means to broaden agencies' hiring options for political appointees, previously limited under Schedule C, which only covers confidential or policy-determining roles.
• OPM mandates that all Schedule G appointments must be vetted through an agency's White House liaison, ensuring every political hire aligns with administration priorities.
• Critics, including Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service, argue that the new Schedule G authority may create further confusion in the political appointment process, potentially undermining the stability of nonpartisan civil service roles.

"Federal employees get more leeway to express religion at work," Federal News Network

Federal employees are now granted increased freedom to express their religious beliefs in the workplace, following new guidance from OPM. This change, which aims to foster a more inclusive environment for individuals of all faiths, allows for religious expressions as long as they do not disrupt business operations.

• The OPM memo states that all federal employees can express their religion at work, which includes participating in group prayers and displaying religious items, provided it does not interfere with their professional duties.
• Employees are permitted to engage in discussions about their faith with coworkers, as long as the conversation remains respectful and does not constitute harassment; requests to cease such discussions must be honored.
• This guidance follows a Supreme Court ruling that reinforces employees' rights to religious accommodations in the workplace, making it more challenging for employers to deny such requests unless significant operational hardships are presented.

"Boeing downplays impending fighter jet worker strike," Defense One

Boeing's leadership downplayed the potential effects of a strike involving 3,200 union workers at three facilities in St. Louis that produce fighter jets and munitions. As union members prepare to strike after rejecting a proposed contract, Boeing executives maintain confidence in their contingency plans.

• The workers involved are responsible for assembling parts for several military programs, including the F/A-18, F-15, and T-7 trainer, with concerns that ongoing labor disputes could complicate production schedules.
• Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that the number of workers striking is “order of magnitude less” than the 30,000 machinists who went on strike in the Pacific Northwest last fall, emphasizing that the company will manage through the situation.
• While the defense unit is making progress on contracts, Ortberg revealed that Boeing is focusing on cost-plus development contracts to avoid past errors associated with fixed-price agreements that led to financial strain.

“What to Do When the Supreme Court Rules the Wrong Way,” New Yorker

The historical case of Bowers v. Hardwick was a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights and draws parallels to contemporary challenges facing marginalized communities in light of the current conservative majority.

• The Supreme Court upheld a sodomy law in 1986 in Bowers v. Hardwick, which was a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights and shocked many in the community.
• Recent rulings by the conservative majority, including those affecting deportation policies and trans rights, indicate a troubling trend towards limiting civil liberties under the Trump administration.
• Class-action lawsuits may be an effective legal remedy, as they have historically succeeded in challenging unjust laws, as seen in cases like Brown v. Board of Education

"Connecting in the US Just Got Easier… On One Route, On American," Cranky Flier

American Airlines is launching a trial of One Stop Security (OSS), which allows connecting passengers from London/Heathrow to Dallas-Fort Worth to bypass the cumbersome customs process typically required for international connections in the US. This initiative aims to streamline travel and reduce connection times, potentially revolutionizing the airport experience for international travelers.

• Revolutionary luggage handling: The US is now allowing passengers to clear customs without needing to reclaim their checked bags, indicating a shift in trust towards international luggage screening capabilities.
• Implicit recognition of UK security: By permitting passengers from Heathrow to connect directly to their gates at DFW, the US government is acknowledging the adequacy of British security measures, a significant shift in policy.
• Challenges of scaling the program: Implementing OSS across more airports could face logistical hurdles, including the need for dedicated Customs and Border Protection officers and adequate facilities, raising questions about its feasibility at larger hubs like LAX or Chicago.

"What Happened to the MAGA Instant Pot?" New York Times

A MAGA-themed Instant Pot has sparked controversy and legal threats from the Trump Organization. The proposed product line, designed to capitalize on the popularity of President Trump’s slogan, raises questions about lobbying, trademark rights, and the implications of mixing politics with consumer branding.

• The MAGA Instant Pot was announced by a lobbyist without obtaining permission from the Trump Organization, resulting in a swift legal warning and shelving of the product before it was ever produced.
• The lobbying firm involved, Nestpoint Associates, had previously employed tactics of public flattery and merchandise announcements to gain favor with the Trump administration, a strategy that ultimately backfired in this instance.
• Centre Lane Partners, the private equity firm behind the product line, had little history of political activism prior to this incident, raising questions about their motivations and strategies in the current political climate.

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