.png.2510090949027.webp)
The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed two key appointments to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), restoring full quorums to both agencies for the first time in months.
On October 8, the Senate voted 51 – 47 along party lines to confirm several of President Trump’s nominees, including:
- James Woodruff, as a member of the MSPB, and
- Brittany Panuccio, as a member of the EEOC.
Restoring Functionality to the MSPB
The Merit Systems Protection Board plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of federal employees by hearing appeals related to removals, suspensions, and other personnel actions.
Woodruff’s appointment, with a term running through March 1, 2032, ends a period where acting Chair Henry Kerner had been the sole member of the Board following Raymond Limon’s retirement earlier this year.
Woodruff brings extensive federal experience, having served as:
- Attorney-advisor for the Department of Veterans Affairs on the Board of Veterans' Appeals,
- Deputy staff judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (920th Rescue Wing), and
- Chief counsel to the chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
With his confirmation, the MSPB is expected to resume normal operations and address its backlog of pending appeals — a significant step forward for federal employees seeking justice and due process in employment disputes.
EEOC Returns to Full Strength
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also regains its full decision-making capacity with the confirmation of Brittany Panuccio, whose term extends through July 1, 2029.
Panuccio’s background includes service as an assistant U.S. attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as positions within the Department of Education’s Office of the General Counsel and clerkships with the U.S. Courts of Appeals in Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas.
Her addition restores a quorum to the EEOC, which has been operating with only two commissioners since January, following the removal of Democratic members Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels earlier this year.
What This Means for Federal Employees
With full quorums restored, both the MSPB and EEOC are positioned to make long-delayed rulings, issue decisions, and process cases that have been on hold — developments that are especially important for federal employees navigating appeals, discrimination complaints, and retaliation claims.
At Pines Federal, we continue to monitor these appointments closely and remain committed to protecting the rights of federal employees before the MSPB, EEOC, and other federal agencies.
If you are a federal employee facing discrimination, retaliation, or disciplinary action, our attorneys are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more at pinesfederal.com.
