Oversight
Whistleblower bill for contractors gains bipartisan support with Grassley’s backing
Supporters say the legislation would close “loopholes” in existing whistleblower protections for federal contractors.
Management
USDA to relocate thousands of staff outside Washington, consolidate dozens of offices
The Agriculture Department is slashing regional offices and centralizing staff into five new hubs across the country.
Workforce
Another judge has dismissed the Trump administration’s effort to pre-clear anti-union EO
Both of the White House’s efforts to secure declaratory judgments in advance of formally stripping more than 1 million federal workers of their collective bargaining rights have now failed.
Workforce
Lawmakers pursue parallel paths toward blocking Trump’s anti-union order
While House Democrats and unions are working over the August recess to secure signatures on a discharge petition to force the chamber to consider a bill overturning the president’s edict stripping two-thirds of federal employees of their collective bargaining rights, the House NDAA includes language blocking its implementation at the Pentagon.
Workforce
Most Americans oppose RIFs, but a good-government group says anti-layoff messaging needs to be improved
A Partnership for Public Service researcher said that there needs to be more focus on the consequences of laying off federal employees versus the government workers themselves because “we found through our focus groups that there's not a lot of sympathy for civil servants losing their jobs.”
Management
Russ Vought bills CFPB $5M for his security detail
The expense comes as the consumer-protection agency's budget is slashed nearly in half.
Workforce
Agency RIF plans will remain secret for now after court blocks release
As more agency layoffs appear imminent, an appeals court has intervened in allowing more details on the plans to be released.
Pay & Benefits
Why a federal program paying employees not to work may violate spending laws
COMMENTARY | Legal scholar Madeline Materna explains why agency officials could be risking more than just bad press.
Management
OMB wants to break down barriers for CIOs, White House official says
Republicans also included a line in their funding bill to reiterate that CIOs should be involved in agencies' tech budgets.
Management
Unions, good government groups urge rejection of Trump’s OSC nominee
Paul Ingrassia, 28, has cavorted with neo-Nazis and publicly described the federal workers he would be tasked with protecting as “parasites” and “bugmen.”
Management
Former federal science leaders warn Trump proposals could cripple U.S. research
Experts decried potential rescissions of funding for science agencies as well as cuts to government researchers and grants.
Management
OMB memo lays out GSA's plan to consolidate contracts
New rules that are coming will require agencies to use existing government-wide vehicles and best-in-class contracts before creating new ones.
Workforce
New OPM head plans to cement focus on efficiency
Scott Kupor said he won’t be taking orders from DOGE, though he’s “happy to partner with people” that are helpful to his overall goals for the agency.
Management
This EPA research office safeguarded Americans’ health. Trump just eliminated it
The Office of Research and Development produced the science underpinning regulations on everything from PFAS to pesticides to lead.
Management
Judge orders Trump administration to ‘stop violating the law!’ and publish spending details
More than two years ago, Congress began requiring the Office of Management and Budget to publicly post apportionment information. Trump officials pulled down the website in March.
Workforce
Amid ongoing federal layoffs, new fellowships offer opportunities for affected employees
Harvard University will provide full scholarships for selected recipients seeking master’s degrees, and a deadline for a new program from Democracy Forward to research the effects of President Donald Trump’s agency cuts is fast approaching.
Updated
Management
State Department deputy Michael Rigas tapped as acting GSA head
Stephen Ehikian, who has served as the acting GSA administrator since Trump took office, will be staying on as deputy. Some in the agency speculate the change is due to DOGE fallout.
Management
VA launches a departmentwide 'review of its mission' as it seeks changes to its operations
Veterans Affairs is no longer planning mass layoffs, but major changes still expected.
Workforce
Census has long struggled with staffing shortages. Employees say Trump is making it worse
Voluntary separation incentives and the government hiring freeze have left remaining staff on the hook with more work.
Management