The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that protects the federal civil service against unlawful or politically motivated personnel actions. It hears appeals from federal employees who challenge firings, demotions, and other adverse actions, and it adjudicates whistleblower-protection and prohibited-personnel-practice claims. Its decisions cover most of the federal executive-branch workforce.
Created by Congress under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (Pub. L. No. 95-454; 5 U.S.C. ch. 12 (5 U.S.C. 1201-1206)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
