Russell Vought was confirmed as Director of OMB on Thursday, in one of the first confirmations to receive "Nay" votes from all Democratic senators, and an all-night filibuster.
Senator Tim Kaine spoke about the danger Vought poses to federal employees, including reading comments from a Department of Transportation worker:
“I am frightened about my position. I’m a single income household and am convinced no one has my back. Congress has been pretty much silent, and the news has gained very little traction nationwide.”
Another employee wrote “Since inauguration, times have been hell for us because every day is loaded with uncertainty regarding the future state of our contract, work, and our federal counterparts we work daily with. To this day, every work day is filled with dread and anxiety.” An HR professional at the Department of the Interior said .... These DOGE employees have full access to our USA Staffing hiring system, which includes personally identifiable information for ALL applicants to any position in DOI. It is unclear what kind of clearance these individuals have, if any, and what authority they have to even access this system.”
The Vought confirmation will have heartbreaking consequences, but we take some comfort in seeing our senators begin to fight. We remind all our followers that our individual actions may be small, but they do matter. Keep calling your Congress members - Democrat and Republican. Teach a friend or family member how to call. Look for opportunities to talk to your conservative family and friends about the very real harm being done by the Republican administration. Become involved with a mutual aid or volunteer organization in your community that supports causes close to your heart, like reproductive rights, trans rights, or environmentalism.
Let's keep showing that DOT employee that someone DOES have their back.
Thanks to Senator Kaine for his fiery words.