Management
Intelligence director hearing cancelled as Trump pushes for controversial voter bill
The development guarantees that Bill Pulte — whose selection to temporarily lead the office derailed a recent FISA vote — would start as acting national intelligence director on Friday.
Oversight
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
Tech
AI is taking parts of background checks from 'months to hours,' clearance agency says
A Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency official says advanced AI can cut parts of the vetting process from months to hours.
Management
Education's latest handoff tests the limits of its downsizing strategy
The department says services and protections won't change as HHS and DOJ take on larger roles. Critics aren't convinced.
Management
GOP’s VA overhaul bill narrows some employees’ rights, spurs privatization, union says
The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act also would cut some vets’ disability benefits and push the Veterans Affairs Department to bring back telework in some form.
Management
Federal agencies are getting more attention on social media — and more criticism
Federal accounts are generating far more engagement on X than they did in the final year of the Biden administration, according to new research.
Tech
Sen. Warner probes whether cyber agency workforce cuts weakened state support
The request comes as officials question whether workforce reductions have affected the federal government's ability to support local cybersecurity efforts.
Defense
Congress wants answers on Pentagon’s use of military lawyers in civilian jobs
A bipartisan NDAA provision would require GAO to examine whether assigning JAGs to Justice Department work is affecting military readiness and morale.
Management
The federal government has a major blind spot in how it evaluates programs
COMMENTARY | Decades of design flaws have left agencies struggling to measure the impact of their major initiatives. It is time to move beyond compliance and build real, durable capacity.
Workforce
NTEU sues IRS over destruction of employees’ pro-union decorations
The Internal Revenue Service last month issued a directive barring employees from posting flyers and other decorations related to the National Treasury Employees Union, which the union says violates the First Amendment.
Oversight
Who watches the watchdogs? GAO finds flaws in inspector general oversight system
President Donald Trump has fired nearly 20 IGs, and his administration last year put a hold on funding for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Tech
White House cyber office hire triggers leadership changes inside infrastructure security agency
A senior CISA official’s move sets off a series of internal assignments as the agency prepares to expand hiring after a year of workforce reductions and restructuring.
Management
Can a championship run teach us something about government?
COMMENTARY | We spend a lot of time looking for shortcuts, but the most meaningful progress in federal service — like in sports — requires something more durable than a quick win.
Oversight
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Defense
Senate rejects Cyber Force push as debate over cyber structure continues
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s amendment to place a new service under the Army fell short in committee, even as lawmakers advanced separate provisions examining Cyber Command’s role and resourcing.
Oversight
Lawmakers press for tighter oversight of fast-growing prediction markets
Senators are urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to clarify rules for event contracts and strengthen monitoring standards, warning that rapid growth in prediction markets is exposing weaknesses in safeguards against manipulation and consumer harm.
Tech
Surveillance authority nears historic lapse as House deadlock meets intelligence leadership fight
Section 702 is set to expire for the first time after a failed House vote, even as a White House nomination aims to resolve a separate battle over who should oversee the intelligence community during the transition.
Pay & Benefits
Expanding paid leave for federal workers is back on the table
Bipartisan legislation would grant civilian federal employees up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year.
Workforce
Most Americans think government workers are competent and should be nonpartisan, according to recent surveys
A survey from the Partnership for Public Service also found that a majority of Americans oppose the Trump administration’s changes to government.
Pay & Benefits