Opinion ID: 186689
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Role of MSPB

Text: 156 Two issues related to the role of MSPB under the HR system are before us on appeal. As we explained above, DHS appeals the District Court's determination that MSPB's standard of review in penalty mitigation cases violates HSA's command to provide fair appellate procedures; we reversed that holding, finding the Unions' claim unripe for review. Additionally, the Unions cross-appeal the District Court's determination that DHS was entitled to Chevron deference in assigning MSPB an appellate role in mandatory removal cases. We affirm the District Court on this point. 157 The Act explicitly contemplates that, under certain conditions, the HR system will effectively modify procedures under chapter 77 [5 U.S.C. §§ 7701-7703 (2000)], which is the statutory framework governing MSPB's appellate procedures. 5 U.S.C. § 9701(f)(2)(C) (Supp. II 2002). Unlike its intrusion into FLRA's domain, then, the Department's modification of MSPB's procedures has a clear statutory predicate. It is also noteworthy that Congress directed DHS and OPM to consult with MSPB in crafting appellate procedures. 158 Moreover, the statute delineating MSPB's powers and functions authorizes it to: 159 hear, adjudicate, or provide for the hearing or adjudication, of all matters within the jurisdiction of the Board under this title, chapter 43 of title 38, or any other law, rule, or regulation, and, subject to otherwise applicable provisions of law, take final action on any such matter. 160 5 U.S.C. § 1204(a)(1) (2000) (emphasis added). Congress thus clearly intended MSPB to serve a broad function that may be defined in diverse ways. Given MSPB's broad statutory underpinning, we find no error in the District Court's judgment upholding DHS's action.