Damaged credit could jeopardize security clearance for some due to shutdown. Image: sdecoret/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffA group of House Democrats has asked OPM to issue guidance that “explicitly prohibits agencies from penalizing security clearance applicants and holders for shutdown-induced poor credit.”
Their letter mirrors concerns raised earlier by some senators about the potential loss of clearances that are required for many federal jobs.
“Financial considerations are a central piece of the investigation into an employee’s candidacy for a security clearance, as they indicate reliability and trustworthiness, as well as vulnerability to illegal activities. Guidelines established for all U.S. government personnel, consultants, and contractors seeking security clearances make this clear. And, notably, financial issues historically outpace all other issues as the chief reason cited for security clearance denial,” it says.
The House members said that “missing even just one of these regular payments can of course be detrimental to employees’ credit scores. It is crucial that we take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the missed paychecks, and wounded credit scores, are not detrimental to their security clearances or security clearance applications as well.”
