Oversight
Congress — not the president — should appoint the next GAO head, bipartisan coalition argues
The organizations from across the political spectrum contended that former Comptroller General Gene Dodaro’s retirement last year provides an opportunity for lawmakers to overhaul the nomination process.
Tech
Trump wants an ‘AI Force.’ What would that actually look like?
The president compared the proposed unit to Space Force, but offered few details about its mission, authority or place in the federal government.
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Management
IRS watchdog audits employee reassignments, as agency looks to extend some tours of duty
Employees placed on these involuntary details are doing jobs several pay grades below the work they were hired to perform, but continue to receive their regular paychecks.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers call on leadership to override Trump’s planned pay freeze
Members of both parties urged congressional leaders to “at minimum” authorize an across-the-board 3.8% pay raise for civilian federal employees, in line with President Trump’s supplemental pay increase planned only for law enforcement.
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Workforce
OPM uses conservative influencers on college tour to recruit young workers
On Thursday, the government HR agency chief is visiting an unaccredited college founded by right-wing figures.
Management
A second lawsuit challenges plans to put ICE agents near polling places
The filing comes after administration officials said federal agents could conduct immigration enforcement at polling locations in certain circumstances.
Workforce
NASA employees: EEOC committed ‘flagrant distortions’ to decertify class complaint
EEOC officials touted a long-running discrimination case against NASA as an example why federal sector cases were in need of reform. The employees who brought the case said commissioners railroaded them.
Management
Labor’s disability accommodation delays under scrutiny by House lawmakers
Lawmakers say interim accommodations “are infrequently considered,” and that staffing shortages have contributed to significant processing delays and growing backlogs.
Tech
Space Force braces for stalled progress amid lack of full funding
Fiscal 2027 program starts are already on hold until December.
Management
The FDA requires follow-up studies for drugs and devices. Years later, many still aren’t done
An analysis of FDA data found hundreds of postmarket studies running behind schedule, raising questions about the agency’s ability to ensure manufacturers follow through.
Tech
Inside Commerce efforts to break data siloes and improve integrity
An agency official also encouraged public comment on a proposed overhaul of the census that would eliminate race questions and change who is counted as living in the U.S.
Management
VA disputes arbitration fees split with union it’s fighting to no longer recognize
VA officials say the agency will pay a "portion" of what a third-party arbitrator billed it, but is "unable to pay” for services rendered when VA didn't officially recognize its largest union.
Management
ICE chief nominee’s path to Senate confirmation ends abruptly
Richard “Lance” Schroyer’s nomination had yet to reach a confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Oversight
Interior watchdog clears official over agency work involving his former oil industry employer
The inspector general for the Interior Department has faced scrutiny due to the installation of a political appointee in the office, but the watchdog’s former leader said that the outcome of this ethics investigation “seems legitimate.”
Pay & Benefits
Navigating the Pay.gov maze for federal retirement deposits
Don't let missing service credits or opaque OPM billing notices shrink your monthly annuity. Here is what you need to know before clicking submit.
Tech
AI ‘is changing the game’ in fraud threats and prevention efforts, SSA OIG official says
Chief Strategy Officer for the SSA Office of the Inspector General Chad Bungard said “the government is looking towards AI to fight fraud, and the criminals are looking towards AI to commit fraud.”
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers again raise alarm over OPM’s health records collection plan
The Office of Personnel Management’s plan to collect claims-level health information about federal workers and their family members and store it for 30 years could open feds up to a potential security breach, Senate Democrats said.
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Management
VA’s reported staffing challenges in healthcare facilities hit 7-year high
An annual report from VA’s inspector general office highlights the types of positions VA healthcare facilities have difficulty filling when they need to hire, but “does not necessarily indicate the presence of vacancies.”
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Management
‘I love to solve problems’: Awards program honors feds who improved the delivery of public services
The Service to the Citizen award recognizes public servants at the federal, state and local levels as well as contractors.
Tech