Management
Republicans want Treasury to study free tax filing options — again
The reconciliation text being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee includes $15 million for the IRS to study how to give Americans free ways to file their taxes that would replace both the Free File and Direct File programs.
Management
Trump’s Qatari Air Force One would pose massive security risks
Treating the aircraft as safe for the commander in chief with just a few modifications is "absurd," one former senior defense official said.
Oversight
Government watchdog reports that its unimplemented recommendations could save $100 billion
President Donald Trump has prioritized government efficiency, primarily through an effort led by Elon Musk.
Workforce
HHS recalls some previously laid off worker safety employees
Elsewhere, the department is issuing new RIFs for each employee it brings back.
Exclusive
Oversight
NDAs for VA employees working on staff reduction plans prompts House Dems probe
The use of non-disclosure agreements could "chill employees from disclosing violations of waste, fraud and abuse," top oversight Democrat says.
Management
How William Howard Taft’s approach to government efficiency differed from Elon Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics
President Taft worked with Congress to launch his effort to streamline government, while Trump has taken a different route.
Pay & Benefits
OPM touts ‘fully paperless’ retirement application, though concerns remain
Sources warn that the Trump administration has overstated both DOGE’s role in developing online retirement applications and its potential impact on the retirement process.
Management
Trump administration tells court publicly releasing its mass layoff plans would hurt recruiting and retention
A judge's order pausing those layoffs is having varying effects at agencies, with at least one temporarily undoing RIF actions.
Management
Standard leadership advice tough to practice under Trump’s government overhaul
Government experts recently offered guidance to public sector leaders on how to successfully manage teams in an unpredictable environment.
Tech
Reconciliation text includes $500 million for modernization and AI at Commerce
The text also includes a prohibition on state-level enforcement of AI laws and regulations.
Workforce
Most major agencies must pause RIFs for at least two weeks, judge orders
Court finds the Trump administration has likely acted unlawfully in instituting widespread layoffs.
Tech
Trump administration unveils multi-billion dollar plan to modernize air traffic control system
“To do it in three or four years, we need all of the money up front,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said about the White House’s push to upgrade antiquated air traffic control technologies across the U.S.
Management
USPS confirms waste management executive and FedEx board member will serve as postmaster general
David Steiner will replace Louis DeJoy as the agency faces significant financial and political pressures.
Workforce
Policy that let federal employees use preferred bathroom formally overturned by Trump administration
A trans federal employee, backed by legal groups, this week sued over Trump’s order that limits which bathroom individuals can use in government buildings.
Management
That time when calling a president ‘old’ was a compliment
You’ve probably heard of Old Hickory. But what about Old Public Functionary?
Exclusive
Management
State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block
There were bipartisan concerns from lawmakers about a planned break-up of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, according to meeting notes. Office eliminations are expected by June 2.
Workforce
Agencies with majority women and minority workforces are some of the hardest hit in Trump staff cuts, new report finds
The National Women’s Law Center argued that the administration’s widespread layoffs are weakening a pathway for women and people of color to achieve greater financial security.
Pay & Benefits
Let’s talk about Social Security
How do Old-Age and Survivor Insurance benefits fit into your retirement plans?
Management
FEMA leader ousted, one day after publicly opposing agency’s elimination
Cam Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of the administrator at FEMA, was let go just one day after he testified before Congress about the size and scope of the federal agency.
Defense