Oversight Hearing –The U.S. Office of Personnel Management

The House Appropriations Committee held an oversight hearing on March 26, 2026, focusing on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its role in federal workforce management. Director Scott Cooper testified about OPM's efforts to modernize federal human resources systems, including launching an online retirement application system that has doubled productivity and reduced processing times. The committee discussed OPM's initiatives to address workforce challenges such as demographic imbalances, contractor reliance, and the need for technology talent through programs like TechForce. Members raised concerns about the impact of recent workforce reductions, the consolidation of appeal processes, and the effects of government shutdowns on federal employees' pay and morale. The hearing also covered OPM's plans for a centralized human capital management system (Federal HR 2.0), procurement challenges, and the importance of accountability and merit-based performance management. Several members questioned the consequences of past policies, including those related to the Doge team and mass voluntary separations, and emphasized the need for transparency and efficient use of taxpayer funds. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were detailed, but procurement and budget allocation issues related to modernization projects were discussed.