Tech
White House cyber czar launches a new hiring sprint
The federal government’s main occupational series for IT jobs saw 3,000 open positions in fiscal 2024.
Workforce
D.C. lawmaker reintroduces measure to grant whistleblower, OSHA protections to congressional workers
The Congress Leads by Example Act would afford employees of the legislative branch whistleblower and OSHA retaliation protections, along with parental bereavement leave benefits.
Tech
Major agencies are close to meeting September zero trust deadline, federal CIO says
The deadline is linked to a sweeping 2021 cybersecurity executive order.
Oversight
The Postal Service achieved most of its peak season goals in 2023, so why did performance slide?
The USPS inspector general found that despite accurately forecasting air demand and adequately staffing for its busiest period, the agency still saw some on-time delivery and inventory delays.
Management
Biden administration seeks more Social Security funding, election and transition provisions in possible CR
The Office of Management and Budget made the requests as part of the process by which the White House and Congress prepare for the potential need to pass a short-term continuing resolution in September.
Pay & Benefits
The sunsetting of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: What federal employees need to know
COMMENTARY | Learn about the potential changes and start planning now to mitigate any adverse effects on your financial situation.
Oversight
Cost of VA’s Digital GI Bill has nearly doubled amid delays and contract challenges
The agency’s Office of Inspector General said in a new report that initial contract requirements for the Digital GI Bill platform “were unclear and included unrealistic expectations.”
Oversight
IRS is behind on Biden policy to not increase audits for households under $400K
TIGTA reports that the IRS has not developed a methodology to comply with a 2022 directive that bars IRA funding from being used to increase audits on households earning $400,000 or less annually.
Workforce
Forest Service chief signals budget belt-tightening is on the horizon for FY2025
Chief Randy Moore said in a statement that the agency is preparing for a pared-down appropriation following the end of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.
Pay & Benefits
All TSP portfolios posted modest gains in August
Each of the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program’s investment options gained value for the second straight month.
Management
Supreme Court’s ruling on Chevron framework will lead to policy shifts by federal emergency management and housing agencies
COMMENTARY | The changes the ruling brings will have real-world implications, argues one former FEMA official.
Pay & Benefits
Biden formally announces 2% average pay raise for feds in 2025
The president each August must declare an “economic emergency” to prevent large automatic increases to locality pay from taking effect, in accordance with the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act.
Pay & Benefits
OPM reminds agencies to grant feds leave to vote
Federal workers are entitled to up to four hours of paid administrative leave to go to the polls, thanks to an executive order signed by President Biden in 2021.
Workforce
VIDEO: More Hatch Act rules for federal employees, explained
The Hatch Act restricts the political activities of federal workers.
Tech
NSF launches AI-driven biotech research program
The National Science Foundation is funding five projects within its new BioFoundries program, which aims to use artificial intelligence to accelerate research in biosciences.
Management
Transparency and urgency are needed to deter agency misconduct and protect federal workers
COMMENTARY | The head of the Office of Special Counsel, the agency that investigates allegations of government misconduct, has a proposal.
News
Impasse on SNAP benefits holds up farm bill
The current law expires at the end of September. Congress appears likely to extend the 2018 farm bill again.
Oversight
Republicans criticize EEOC over nixed one-day furlough
The agency said that no additional funding and a high pay increase for federal employees helped create its budget shortfall, but GOP leaders called it a failure to adjust spending.
Pay & Benefits
Thank goodness for survivor benefits
Even if you have never had a job where you paid into Social Security, you may still be eligible to receive benefits.
Management