Justice Directives

Creating Schedule G in the Excepted Service

Published: Thu 17th Jul 25

President Trump issued an executive order creating Schedule G within the excepted service. This addresses what was perceived to be a gap in existing processes to fill policy-making and policy-advocating positions.

The order mandates that individuals appointed to these positions under Schedule G should be aligned with the administration's policies, but political affiliation is not to be a deciding factor.

It formally amends existing Civil Service Rules to include Schedule G, detailing its application and implications for several other existing schedules, and emphasizes improvements to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ operations as justification.

Finally, it outlines implementation procedures and limitations, affirming that the order does not have a legally enforceable impact on existing rights.

Nominations Sent to the Senate

President Biden submitted a series of nominations to the Senate for key positions within various federal agencies.

These nominations include ambassadors to international organizations, United States Attorneys, agency leadership roles such as Chief Agricultural Negotiator and CFO of the Department of Agriculture, members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board, and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture.

The nominees represent diverse states and bring a range of experience to their respective positions.

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

President Biden announced three judicial nominations to the Senate: Joshua Dunlap for the First Circuit Court of Appeals, William Mercer for the District of Montana, and Eric Tung for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

These nominations fill vacancies created by retirements and aim to maintain the efficient functioning of the federal judiciary.

Ensuring Accountability and Prioritizing Public Safety in Federal Hiring

President Trump issued a memorandum establishing a policy to govern the hiring of Federal civilian employees within the Executive Branch until October 15, 2025.

The policy generally prohibits filling vacant positions or creating new ones unless otherwise specified in the memorandum or required by law.

Exceptions are made for positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety, as well as for Presidential appointments and Senate confirmations.

The policy aims to ensure accountability, prioritize public safety, and aligns with the Merit Hiring Plan under Executive Order 14170.

Contracting to circumvent this policy is prohibited.

160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service, 2025

Published: Wed 2nd Jul 25

President Donald J. Trump's July 2, 2025, proclamation declares July 5, 2025, as the 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service. The proclamation details the agency's history, evolving mission, and the significant sacrifices made by its agents throughout the years, emphasizing bravery and dedication in protecting national leaders.

It calls upon all Americans to express gratitude to the Secret Service agents.

Nominations Sent to the Senate

The President announced a series of nominations for key positions within various federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Justice, as well as the African and Asian Development Banks and Social Security.

These nominations encompass several different roles such as United States Attorneys, Assistant Secretaries, and Board Members for agencies such as the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Each nominee's state of residence and specific role are detailed in the announcement.

National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-5

President Trump's memorandum reissues and amends National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, revising US policy towards Cuba.

The policy prioritizes advancing human rights, strengthening the economic embargo, and channeling aid directly to the Cuban people rather than the government.

Specific actions outlined include adjustments to financial transaction regulations, stricter enforcement of travel restrictions, and increased support for internet access and independent media in Cuba.

The memorandum also emphasizes promoting democracy and the rule of law while opposing international efforts to lift the embargo until a transition government is established.

Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions

President Trump issued an executive order revoking previously imposed sanctions on Syria, citing a fundamental shift in the government's policies and actions following the transition to President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The order terminates several previous executive orders related to Syria sanctions, while simultaneously expanding the scope of others to address the ongoing need for accountability regarding war crimes and human rights abuses committed under previous leadership.

The order directs the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce, among others, to implement the changes, including examining the criteria of the Caesar Act to potentially further sanction suspensions.