GSA Official Placed on Leave Over Comments on Veterans' Preference in Hiring
A senior official at the General Services Administration (GSA), Pete Waterman, has been placed on administrative leave following a controversial social media post. Waterman, who is the director of FedRAMP, criticized the veterans' preference in federal hiring, claiming it obstructs the recruitment of qualified tech-focused employees. His comments sparked a debate, with some supporting his view while others, including veterans and recruiters, criticized it. The veterans' preference policy gives former armed forces members priority in hiring for certain federal positions. The GSA has stated that it disagrees with Waterman's remarks and emphasized the value veterans bring to the agency. The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in federal hiring processes, particularly in tech recruitment.