New Hampshire Delegation Urges Exemption from 10.7% Reduction in Federal Civilian Employees at Air National Guard

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, alongside Representatives Chris Pappas and Annie Kuster, are urging General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to exempt critical safety roles, including firefighters and air traffic controllers, from a planned 10.7% reduction in federal civilians at the Air National Guard (ANG). Over 50% of civilian employees at Pease Air National Guard Base are civilian emergency personnel and air traffic controllers, and the proposed cuts could devastate the base's role in supporting emergency services in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • 51 out of 96 Title 5 civilian employees at Pease Air National Guard Base are firefighters or air traffic controllers, providing critical services to the Portsmouth International Airport (KPSM).
  • The proposed 10.7% reduction in federal civilian employees at the ANG could have long-lasting safety and operational impacts, exacerbating an existing national safety issue.
  • In fiscal year 2024, the Army faced its highest mishap rate since 2008, and the Air Force hit its highest rate in three years in fiscal year 2023.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is facing a historic shortage of air traffic controllers, requiring the hiring of 3,000 more to meet current demand.
  • The New Hampshire delegation has a track record of working to protect civilian workers who play a critical role in maintaining U.S. national security, including securing exemptions and extensions for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce.
  • Congresswoman Goodlander secured an amendment in the House-passed FY 2026 NDAA to help end the Trump Administration's hiring freeze that's leaving the shipyard understaffed.

Statistics:

  • 51 out of 96 Title 5 civilian employees at Pease Air National Guard Base are firefighters or air traffic controllers.
  • The proposed 10.7% reduction in federal civilian employees at the ANG could have significant safety and operational impacts.
  • The Army faced its highest mishap rate since 2008 in fiscal year 2024, with the Air Force hitting its highest rate in three years in fiscal year 2023.
  • The FAA is facing a shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers to meet current demand.
  • The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce was exempted from the civilian hiring freeze in March.

Sources:

  • Letter from Senators Hassan and Shaheen, Representatives Pappas and Goodlander to General Steven Nordhaus (no date provided)
  • March 2025 exemption of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce from the civilian hiring freeze
  • FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provision from Senator Shaheen
  • House-passed FY 2026 NDAA amendment secured by Congresswoman Goodlander