Federal Government Policy and Business

Fast-Approaching Vacancy Act Deadline Puts Some Pressure on Trump to Speed Up Appointments

Government Executive: After eight-plus months in office, President Trump’s transition effort continues to lag behind those of past chief executives in filling key agency jobs and that may not change despite an approaching deadline under a law limiting the duration of time acting officials can lead agencies.

Though the rules under the 1998 Federal Vacancies Reform Act apply deadline pressure, they also offer some flexibility from which the Trump White House may benefit.

Out of 601 key positions across government, Trump to date has offered no nominee for 297, according to the latest tracker compiled by the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service and The Washington Post; 14 Trump nominees await confirmation, 161 have been formally nominated, and 129 have been confirmed.

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