Multiple Sources Say DOGE Process Has Begun at CPSC

Note: This story was written before the May 8 firings of the three Democratic commissioners. Commissioners Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka have posted statements to their LinkedIn feeds. Meanwhile, subsequent information not gathered by PSL further confirms the DOGE presence at CPSC.

DOGE operatives arrived at CPSC May 8, corroborated multiple sources whose accuracy on the matter PSL trusts. As of press time, PSL had not gotten official confirmation or denial from CPSC despite seeking feedback. PSL first learned of the situation the same morning via a non-firsthand tip that seems to have originated from outside CPSC but within the federal government.

Early discussion reportedly addressed initial staff cuts and the offices that might be affected. Layoffs could occur via various methods:

• DRP: The Deferred Resignation Program lets staffers leave but continue getting pay and benefits, typically to the end of the fiscal year in which they stop working.
• VERA: The Voluntary Early Retirement Authority lets agencies temporarily lower the age for eligibility to start receiving retirement benefits.
• VSIP: Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments are single payouts to staffers who agree to leave.
• RIF: Reduction in Force refers to elimination of positions with consideration of whether affected staffers are eligible for reassignment or face termination.

DOGE stands for "Department of Government Efficiency." It is an initiative aimed at dismantling or making deep cuts at federal agencies, including mass firings. Politico has reported (bit.ly/3YBcXoc) that as of late April, "DOGE has hollowed out or shut down 11 federal agencies."

The day before (see story in this issue), the midyear briefing included discussion of CPSC already operating at roughly 10% below the staffing level approved in FY2025 funding.

The DOGE development adds to the multiple fronts on which CPSC is targeted:

• The Solicitor General office said DOJ would urge courts to overturn the statutory firing protections for leaders of various agencies (PSL¸ 2/17/25). It mentioned CPSC and two others by name although they are not the only ones included. Amazon referred to this announcement in its suit (PSL, 3/24/25) seeking to overturn commissioners' forced-recall order on third-party products sold on the platform.

 

• An executive order sought to exert more control over CPSC and other independent agencies (PSL, 2/24/25), including external control over legal opinions, strategy, and rulemaking decisions.

 

• A leaked budget response from the Office of Management and Budget to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) included a plan for HHS to absorb CPSC (PSL, 4/21/25).