Using appointments data from the Political Appointee Tracker compiled by the Partnership for Public Service and The Washington Post along with expert analysis, this report highlights key trends in filling Senate-confirmed positions and in the nomination and confirmation process.

This report examines the prevalence of vacancies and temporary officials in Senate-confirmed positions, the use of acting officials and the reasons the nomination and confirmation process has broken down. This report also includes specific recommendations to address the prevalence of temporary officials, fix broken processes and improve accountability.

With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service highlights how staff in district offices can provide valuable information on citizen needs to their legislative counterparts in Washington, D.C.

With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service examines how the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration worked with the Senate to stop an IRS scam targeting vulnerable seniors.

With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service looks at the process that led to the Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016—how the IG community came together and worked with Congress to advance legislation that reinforced the intent of the original law and added crucial new powers for IGs.

With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service examines the process that led to the creation of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act—a notable example of how thoughtful oversight and close cooperation between the House and Senate resulted in both the passage of landmark legislation and better implementation of the law.