Reading Room Document

Length of Term of Nominee to Merit Systems Protection Board

This document is a memorandum opinion regarding the term of office for a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The conclusion reached in the document is that the nomination of Mr. A for a term expiring on March 1, 1981, is correct. The document presents a review of the transition provision in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 and discusses the interpretation of the provision in relation to the term of office for the MSPB member. The questions presented for review include whether the transition provision should govern the term of office and whether the intent of Congress in providing systematically staggered terms should be upheld. Additionally, the document examines the legislative history and principles of statutory interpretation to support the conclusion.

September 8, 1979