Pay & Benefits
All provisions targeting federal worker benefits, unions stricken from Senate reconciliation package
The Senate parliamentarian previously ruled that most of the proposals aimed at cutting federal employees’ retirement benefits and civil service protections violated a rule to ensure reconciliation bills are budgetary in nature.
Oversight
OSC recommends bonuses for whistleblowers at Maryland USDA facility
The reallocation of $50 million to upgrade a dilapidated federal research facility would not have been possible without the rights afforded workers through collective bargaining, union leaders argued.
Defense
DOGE now has approval authority for defense IT, consulting contracts
A new memo from the Defense Department's acquisition leader spells out what agencies and components have to inform the Department of Government Efficiency before proceeding on certain contracts.
Workforce
Mass layoffs likely to remain blocked, for now, thanks to a Supreme Court footnote
The Trump administration is cheering a SCOTUS ruling and its impact on the federal workforce, but attorneys on a key reduction-in-force case say its impact on feds is currently limited.
Workforce
At some federal beaches, surf’s up but the lifeguard chair’s empty
Some of the nation’s most popular beaches managed by the National Park Service are now seeing lifeguard shortages due to a mix of budget cuts, DOGE layoffs and a federal hiring freeze.
Management
States Fear Critical Funding From FEMA May Be Drying Up
Many states rely on the federal government for the vast majority of their emergency management funding. Now, local leaders are looking for clues about the money — and the future of FEMA itself.
Management
Cuts to FEMA and other agencies will lead to slow disaster response, former administrator says
“It just slows down the entire response and delays the recovery process from starting,” the previous FEMA chief said.
Workforce
House Dems warn Trump’s special counsel pick is anathema to job’s duties
Paul Ingrassia, 28, has been nominated to lead the office that investigates politically motivated firings and Hatch Act violations, despite statements supporting a purge of workers and cavorting with neo-Nazis.
Defense
DOD’s budget request finally drops, combining a real decrease with a one-time boost
Officials are relying heavily on Congress to pass the reconciliation bill.
Tech
SSA head wants to beef up agency tech as it sheds thousands of staff
Some experts are skeptical that technology can make up for staffing losses in critical parts of the agency.
Pay & Benefits
Retired and confused about Medicare Part B? You’re not alone
From late penalties to premium reimbursements, here’s what every retired fed should understand about enrolling in Medicare Part B—and how it works with your FEHB plan.
Management
Withholding agency funds at the end of the year under consideration, White House says
OMB Director Russ Vought tells lawmakers the administration has "numerous options" to achieve savings.
Workforce
Trump’s anti-union executive order has been blocked, again
A federal judge in California tailored his decision around the administration’s violations against labor groups’ First Amendment rights, avoiding thornier questions about presidential power.
Management
HUD to move into the National Science Foundation headquarters, no current plan on where to relocate NSF employees
The Department of Housing and Urban Development had previously announced its intention to sell its current headquarters, which requires more than $500 million in maintenance repairs.
Management
A new Trump plan gives DHS and the White House greater influence in the fight against organized crime
Internal documents describe a sweeping plan to shift federal crime-fighting power to DHS, sidestepping prosecutors and reviving drug war tactics.
Workforce
State Dept. further prepares for mass layoffs even as court block remains
A judge specified last month that State, like most major agencies, cannot yet move forward with RIFs.
Pay & Benefits
Tax-free…or not? Avoid these 4 Roth TSP mistakes
Not all money in a Roth Thrift Savings Plan account is automatically tax-free, and there are several things to consider before making a withdrawal to avoid tax and other penalties.
Management
With DeJoy out, postal stakeholders push for pause in criticized Delivering for America overhaul plan
Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who reportedly was pressured into resigning, launched a 10-year reform plan called Delivering for America that members of both parties slammed for slowing service without any financial benefits.
News
How shrinking the EPA could make wildfire smoke even more dangerous
Proposed jobs and grants cuts by the Trump administration could have detrimental impacts in air quality monitoring at the federal, state and local government levels, stakeholders say.
Management