Nextgov

CISA Finalized Directive on Vulnerability Disclosure Policies, Congressman Says 

The binding operational directive would create a legal path for ethical hackers to report website vulnerabilities to government agencies.

Defense

Following Leaks, Pentagon Introduces Mandatory Operations Security Training

But many are still unclear if they have to take it.

Oversight

Lawmakers Look to Further Strengthen Whistleblower Protections

Bills in the House and Senate would ban federal officials from blocking employees from sharing information with Congress, prohibit retaliatory investigations and protect more workers.

Route Fifty

Pets Are Testing Positive for Coronavirus

A dog in Louisiana is the eighth pet in the United States to test positive for the virus that causes Covid-19. It's unlikely that animals can transmit the virus to people, according to the CDC—but they can catch it from their owners.

Nextgov

TSA’s Looking to Rapidly Verify Passengers Without Biometrics or Physical IDs

Prior to the pandemic, hundreds of travelers would attempt to pass through security checkpoints each day without identification.

Pay & Benefits

How Your Benefits Have Changed Recently

To address the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the government has loosened restrictions on several federal employee benefits programs.

Route Fifty

The Escalating Crisis in Police Hiring

COMMENTARY | As revenues drop and passionate debates over police mission, budget and purpose continue, cities still face the arduous task of recruiting top-notch candidates.

Management

Coronavirus Roundup: Transition Plans Include Public Health Guidance; Top Democrats Release Joint Oversight Analysis of Federal Pandemic Response 

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Nextgov

How CBP Plans to Spend—and Repay—Its $15M Modernization Fund Loan

Agency officials already completed the first phase of modernizing the nation’s second-largest revenue collection system but needed an infusion of cash to keep the momentum going.

Defense

‘Most Believe’ Beirut Blast ‘Accident,’ Esper Says, Contradicting Trump

The president said “some of our great generals” told him that the blast was “a bomb of some kind.”

Employee Policy

Trump pushes agencies to review, reduce foreign hires on federal contracts

The White House this week ordered all agencies to review their procedures to ensure that federal contractors employ U.S. nationals ahead of foreign workers.

Employee Policy

Esper calls Floyd murder a 'wakeup call' to improve diversity, inclusion

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he's heard from service members across the branches, which spurred DOD to stand up three initiatives to fight discrimination.

Oversight

After a Year of Investigation, the Border Patrol Has Little to Say About Agents’ Misogynistic and Racist Facebook Group

The Border Patrol vowed a full accounting after ProPublica revealed hateful posts in the private Facebook group. Now congressional investigators say the agency is blocking them and revealing little about its internal investigation.

Management

GovExec Daily: The Coming Evictions Crisis

Route Fifty's Emma Coleman joins the podcast to discuss what the end of evictions moratoriums means for housing nationwide.

Workforce

Trump’s TVA Firings May Be a Harbinger of Things to Come

At a time of intense economic uncertainty for millions, workforce management decisions can create new challenges.

Route Fifty

Poll: Majority of Americans Would Support Two-Week Lockdown

Almost two-thirds of people who responded to the NPR/Ipsos survey said the U.S. is doing a worse job than other countries in dealing with the pandemic.

Management

Court Dismisses Union’s Lawsuit Over Federal Employees’ Right to Talk ‘Impeachment’ and 'Resistance'  

Last year the American Federation of Government Employees sued the Office of Special Counsel over its Hatch Act guidance. 

Route Fifty

New York City to Set Up Checkpoints to Enforce Quarantine of Travelers

Enforcement teams will deploy to key entry points in the city to ensure incoming travelers complete health forms that request contact information and to inform them of the two-week quarantine requirement.

Route Fifty

Trump Campaign, Republican Party Sue Nevada Over Expanded Vote-by-Mail

President Trump has claimed that sending all voters an absentee ballot will make “it impossible for Republicans to win the state.”

Pay & Benefits

Senators Push for Continued Telework, Contractor Leave in COVID-19 Relief Talks

A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.