Workforce
Most fed-targeting provisions in Senate reconciliation bill don’t pass Byrd muster
The Senate parliamentarian over the weekend found that many proposals targeting federal workers and their unions violate the Byrd rule and would require 60 votes to advance in the chamber.
Workforce
OPM’s new performance management rules are (mostly) spot on
COMMENTARY | OPM’s new performance management rules aim to end inflated ratings and eliminate pass-fail systems—but do they go too far in prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach?
Defense
DHS expects Iran’s cyber forces will target US networks after strikes on nuclear sites
Iran has often targeted U.S. digital systems. Last year, Iranian hackers pilfered and distributed sensitive documents from inside President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Workforce
OPM calls for quicker firings, more stringent performance standards
While experts agree that performance ratings in the federal government are inflated, the federal government’s HR agency’s proposal could exacerbate existing problems.
Management
Democratic leaders slam Trump effort to transfer some Education grant programs to Labor Department
The interagency agreement between Education and Labor regarding the grant programs is paused due to an injunction that deals with reductions in force.
Exclusive
Management
DOGE holds meetings with White House, new postal leadership and Treasury to discuss reforming USPS
Internal documents reveal a series of meetings with far-reaching impacts for the future of the Postal Service.
Management
Trump’s pick to lead Customs and Border Protection confirmed by Senate
Rodney Scott, the former Border Patrol chief, returns to a key role in Trump’s immigration agenda—despite renewed scrutiny over a migrant death under his past leadership.
Workforce
A time machine tour of civil service reform
COMMENTARY | From Washington to Trump, every era has redefined the rules of federal employment. If you could set the clock, which version of the merit system would you choose?
Oversight
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Management
Judge grills DOJ official on order tying transportation funding to immigration enforcement
A lawsuit brought by 20 Democratic state attorneys general challenges an April directive from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Exclusive
Management
‘Censorship:’ See the National Park visitor responses after Trump requested help deleting ‘negative’ signage
The administration asked for help erasing language on park displays that failed to emphasize American grandeur, but visitors have not identified any examples.
Transition
EEOC nominee would likely lead ‘real retreat’ from agency’s civil rights mission
Andrea Lucas is appearing before a Senate panel on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as EEOC chair. The Trump nominee wants to revisit agency guidance related to pregnancy and gender identity.
Pay & Benefits
New pay claims for active-duty federal employees possible after Supreme Court decision
An April decision by the justices means that federal employees called up to active service could be eligible for differential pay, and that the Merit Systems Protections Board could receive a wave of new claims.
News
U.S. senators call for security funding boost after Minnesota assassination
Following shootings in Minnesota, senators called for more funding for the U.S. Capitol Police to provide member security.
Management
Federal judge deems Trump administration’s termination of NIH grants illegal
In a ruling issued Monday, the judge called the government’s directives “arbitrary and capricious” and ordered funding for some of the NIH grants, including many profiled by ProPublica in recent months, to be restored.
Workforce
CDC has shed one-quarter of staff even as it recalls some laid off workers
Agency tells court that states are not suffering "irreparable harm" from cuts even as agency leaders lament "operational disruptions" and "loss of expertise and capacity."
Management
Senate reconciliation bill would give Trump ‘carte blanche’ to reorganize agencies, lay off feds
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee authorizes a $100 million war chest for OMB to reorganize government without congressional oversight.
Management
Another postal union approves its collective bargaining agreement
As the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association ratified its contract, members of the American Postal Workers Union began voting on their tentative deal.
Breaking News
Workforce
Trump administration resumes layoffs, targeting National Archives staff
Employees warn of impacts at presidential libraries and on records retrieval.
Oversight