New Bill Bans Political Loyalty Tests for All Federal Jobs, Including USPS and Presidential Appointees

The “Stop Sycophants in Government Act of 2025” is a pretty straightforward bill with a big goal: making sure you can’t be asked to pass a political loyalty test just to get a job working for the federal government. This isn't just about protecting the folks in the middle ranks; the bill explicitly bans any federal official, including the President, from using political beliefs as a hurdle for hiring, promotion, or even contract renewal.

No Politics in the Job Application

This bill cuts straight to the core of the merit system. Section 2 makes it clear that political loyalty tests are out, whether you’re applying for a job, being appointed to a high-level position, or just trying to get promoted. Think about it: if you’re a software engineer applying to the Department of Defense or a logistics manager at the U.S. Postal Service, your ability to do the job should be the only thing that matters. This provision ensures that your political bumper stickers, or lack thereof, can't be used against you.

Who Gets the Protection?

The scope of this ban is wide, which is critical. It covers the standard federal employee defined under Title 5 of the U.S. Code—the vast majority of the civil service. But it also specifically extends the ban to two key groups often treated differently. First, it includes people appointed by the President who require Senate approval, like Cabinet secretaries. Second, it explicitly covers everyone working for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and the Postal Regulatory Commission. This means whether you’re sorting mail or running a massive federal agency, your job security shouldn't depend on whether your political views align with the current administration.

The Real-World Impact: Staying Focused on the Work

For most people, this means a more level playing field when applying for federal work. Imagine a civil engineer who has spent 20 years building bridges. Under this bill, that engineer’s qualifications remain the focus, not their political donations or social media history. For the federal government itself, the goal is to reinforce the idea that the best person gets the job, which should lead to a more skilled and less distracted workforce. The idea is simple: if people aren't worried about passing a political litmus test, they can focus on delivering services, whether that’s processing your tax return or making sure your mail gets delivered on time.

The Fine Print: What’s a Loyalty Test?

While the intent is crystal clear—ban political discrimination—the bill uses the term “political loyalty test” without defining exactly what it is. This is where things could get slightly tricky. In the future, officials might try to use subjective criteria or vague “suitability” requirements as a loophole to screen out people they disagree with politically. However, the explicit ban on using these tests for hiring, promotion, and contract renewal sets a strong precedent that any decision based on political affiliation, rather than competence, would violate the Act. This bill is a significant step toward walling off the professional civil service from political interference, ensuring that government jobs are based on merit, not who you know or what you believe.