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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 9714· 119th Congress

Limit the Number of Appointed Federal Positions

Capping Appointed Positions Act

Sponsor
Hillary Scholten (D-MI)
Introduced
Jul 15, 2026
Last Action
Jul 15, 2026
Passage
12%
Introduced
Jul 15, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Bill caps how many appointed (non-civil service) positions federal agencies can create or fill.
  • Likely targets political appointees and senior staff roles across executive branch departments.
  • Detailed mechanics unknown — official summary not yet published by Congressional Research Service.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Presidents would have fewer patronage appointments and influence over agency staffing levels.
  • Agencies lose flexibility to expand leadership teams during crises or reorganizations.
  • Congress gains leverage over executive branch structure, a long-standing power struggle between branches.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Referred to House Oversight Committee on July 15, 2026 — early stage with 2 cosponsors suggests limited momentum.
  • Committee must debate merits before any floor vote; unlikely to advance without broader support.
  • Track progress at Congress.gov or contact your representative to weigh in on presidential staffing power.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 15, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Jul 15, 2026Introduced in House
  • Jul 15, 2026Introduced in House