Chairman Thompson Introduces Bill to Improve DHS Workforce Morale
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) introduced legislation to improve morale among the 240,000 employees of the Department of Homeland Security. H.R. 1433, the Department of Homeland Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement (DHS MORALE) Act would create and catalogue leadership development opportunities, identify and address factors that impact employee engagement, and recognize employee contributions.
“It’s unfortunate that the DHS workforce suffers from some of the lowest morale in the federal government,” said Chairman Thompson. “As the Committee that authorizes and oversees the Department, it’s our job not only to ensure DHS employees have a workplace that is engaging and rewarding, but to help shape a Department that is able to recruit and hire the best available talent. Under the Trump Administration, it’s especially important we do all we can to support and empower the employees of DHS. The men and women at DHS perform critical national security missions every day – ensuring their high morale is key to ensuring our country’s safety.”
Since its creation in 2003, DHS has faced challenges managing a workforce of more than 240,000 employees. The Department has consistently ranked amongst the lowest of federal agencies in employee morale. In the latest Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, DHS ranked last among the 17 major Federal agencies in workforce morale.
H.R. 1433 is endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC).
# # #
Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
Next Article Previous Article