Management
Nearly all national park sites to close during government shutdown
The agency will bar access to most of the nation’s 425 parks, recreation areas, national historic sites and other units, according to a fact sheet from the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service.
Management
Ahead of shutdown, House and Senate Dems propose back pay for furloughed contractors
A similar effort to legislate back pay for contractors failed during the 2018-2019 shutdown.
Management
What happens to government devices during a shutdown?
Experts say government-issued devices like phones, computers and even email accounts face heightened security risks during a federal shutdown.
Management
Sen. Kaine eyes another measure to make shutdowns less frequent
The Modernizing the Federal Calendar Act would shift the federal government’s fiscal year to align with the traditional calendar year.
Management
Some federal agencies utilize 25% or less of their headquarters office space, GAO says
As federal employees continued use of telework remains contentious, the watchdog highlighted in a new report that age-old office space problems have become more pronounced.
Pay & Benefits
How to Deal with the Latest Long Term Care Rate Hikes
You can keep premiums under control, but it means reducing benefits.
Management
How a looming government shutdown could hit national parks
Would-be visitors will likely see restrictions on park access, though the extent of those restrictions is still unclear.
Management
Senate inches closer toward stopgap passage, though a plan to avoid shutdown remains out of reach
Republicans in the Senate look to assuage House counterparts, but it may already be too late to avert federal employee furloughs in two days.
Management
Biden administration begins cautioning feds to prepare for a shutdown
Degree of organization varies across government as agencies note a funding lapse could still be avoided.
Management
FEMA is being sued for making flood insurance too expensive—and too cheap
The price isn't right, according to two lawsuits against the federal agency. The suits, one of which was brought by Louisiana and Republican state AGs, claim that high insurance rates could put residents at risk of economic ruin, but low rates do little to stop developments on at-risk land.
Management
Democrats fear cyberattacks as government shutdown looms
Lawmakers are expressing concerns that the shutdown could radically hinder the work of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in responding to major ransomware incidents and other digital intrusions.
Management
Agencies ramp up shutdown prep as Congress hurtles toward deadline
The White House has kicked off official shutdown planning efforts.
Management
OIG: Interior Department backdated discrimination determinations and applied incorrect standards
Officials at the department’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights backdated discrimination decisions for up to 15 days prior to their issuance and erroneously ruled in five cases, according to a new report.
Pay & Benefits
Federal workers will pay 7.7% more towards health insurance premiums in 2024
Next year, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program will feature new coverage of anti-obesity medication, as well as expanded access to mental health, assistive reproductive technology and gender-affirming care.
Defense
Shutdown would be 'extremely disruptive' to defense production, workforce, acquisition chief says
“Can you imagine if the Chinese had something like this, where their government would shut down every few years?” Bill LaPlante said Tuesday.
Oversight
What I learned covering government for 34 years
The privilege of reporting on the stuff that really matters.
Pay & Benefits
Long term care insurance: Sharp hike in premiums for feds means enrollees face tough choices
Experts say although long term care is in the cards for most older Americans, an upcoming spike in LTC insurance premiums for feds who are enrolled is just part of a pattern that will remain unbroken until Congress and policymakers act on the neglected—but vital—broader issue of long term care and accompanying costs that will affect a majority of federal families. The program remains closed to new applicants.
Management
A government shutdown is a catalyst event that can increase the possibility of insider threat incidents
COMMENTARY | As another government shutdown looms it’s a reminder that risks happen when you’re least prepared, writes one observer.
Oversight
New bill would beef up accessibility reporting requirements for agencies
Agency and department heads would be required to appoint “Section 508 compliance officers” to ensure they meet accessibility mandates.
Management