Representative Barry Loudermilk, US Representative for Georgia's 11th District | Ballotpedia
Representative Barry Loudermilk, US Representative for Georgia's 11th District | Ballotpedia
Rep. Barry Loudermilk has reintroduced the Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation (MERIT) Act in the 119th Congress. The legislation aims to address inefficiencies within the federal government by holding bureaucrats accountable.
Loudermilk stated, “Over the past four years most Americans feared the federal government and its ability to unjustly wield power, and have become tired of funding the fraud, waste, and abuse within our bloated federal bureaucracy." He emphasized that with President Trump back in office and the MERIT Act's passage, "Americans will have a government they can be proud of again."
The proposed act seeks to reward hard work while addressing poor performance and corruption. It intends to align federal employee dismissal procedures with those of the private sector to expedite misconduct removal processes.
Loudermilk expressed optimism about collaboration with President Trump, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). "I look forward to working with them and my colleagues to get it passed in the U.S. House," he said.
Rep. Buddy Carter voiced support for Loudermilk’s initiative: “President Trump has been sent to Washington with a mandate from the American people to shake up Washington." Rep. Mike Collins also endorsed the bill as "a step in the right direction."
Rep. Erin Houchin remarked on prioritizing taxpayers through this legislation: “Hardworking Americans deserve a government that puts service and results first.” Similarly, Rep. Burgess Owens highlighted that "America’s federal workforce must serve the people—not the bureaucracy."
Other supporters include Rep. Anna Paulina Luna who noted inefficiency among career positions cannot be tolerated; Rep. Scott Franklin who emphasized integrity in public service; Ryan Walker from Heritage Action who stressed accountability; Austen Bannan from Americans for Prosperity who applauded efforts towards transparency; and Rebecca Weber from AMAC Action advocating for efficiency.
The MERIT Act proposes changes such as repealing Chapter 43 processes for dealing with poor performers, allowing senior executive removals based on performance rather than demotion, recouping bonuses when misconduct is discovered, and affecting retirement benefits linked to felonious activities during official duties.
Original co-sponsors of this legislation include Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-1), Erin Houchin (IN-9), Rick Crawford (AR-1), Burgess Owens (UT-4), Mike Collins (GA-10), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Dan Webster (FL-11), Tracy Mann (KS-1), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Dan Meuser (PA-9), Brian Babin (TX-36), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Jim Baird (IN-4), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Tim Burchett (TN-2).
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