Employee Policy
Employee unions endorse Biden
The two largest federal employee unions, the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union, announced July 20 their endorsements of Joe Biden for president.
Employee Policy
Trump taps HUD official to lead OPM
The candidate to serve as the nation's top human resources official has a background in computer science and software development, and a controversial record as a conservative commentator.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Navigating the Hatch Act During the Current Era
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to examine how feds can navigate the current era and when they support issues-based causes.
Management
Senate Confirms Acting OMB Chief to Be Permanent Director
Russell Vought has said he will "be as responsive as we possibly can" to Congress and prioritize requests from overseers related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Route Fifty
As Bans Expire, Eviction Filings Rise
New research sheds light on the trend. Experts have warned that renters are headed towards an “eviction cliff” as the coronavirus crisis wears on and safety net measures end.
Nextgov
Preliminary FITARA Scores Look Good, Lawmaker Says
FITARA scores are not finalized but Rep. Gerry Connolly says no agency will receive a D or an F on upcoming scorecard.
Nextgov
Agencies Could Use Improvement in Contracting Forecast Data
According to an industry group study, most federal agencies aren’t sharing details about their upcoming acquisitions needs as well as they could.
Route Fifty
Cities Rethink How to Cope with Extreme Heat During Covid-19 Outbreaks
Cities are enforcing capacity restrictions at cooling centers and offering free air conditioners as a way to beat the heat.
Management
Trump Nominates Conspiracy Theorist to Lead OPM
John Gibbs, who currently serves at the Housing and Urban Development Department, in 2016 falsely accused Clinton campaign officials of secretly taking part in satanic rituals.
Nextgov
Air Force Wants a Wearable Performance Tracker to Prevent Neck and Back Pain
The service aims to reduce delays due to injury and disability costs.
Route Fifty
Local Pushback Over Federal Officers in Portland Grows As Trump Threatens Feds Could Deploy to Other Cities
Federal agents reportedly are expected to be sent to Chicago this week, despite objections from local leaders.
Oversight
Trump Administration Doubles Down on Federal Law Enforcement Domestic Deployments Amid Growing Backlash
DHS, DOJ once again facing pushback after sending federal officers to racial justice protests.
Management
Leading the Intelligence Community After 2020’s Upheavals
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe should consider new approaches to four vital functions that support the IC’s core missions.
Management
Thousands of Small Business Owners Have Not Gotten Disaster Loans the Government Promised Them
A top official said 99% of funds were paid, but only 55% of small business owners reported receiving the money. Borrowers were told there was a technical glitch, but the Small Business Administration would not answer questions about it.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Former Officials Call for More Federal Funds for Elections; FDA Approves COVID-19 ‘Pool’ Test
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Federal Immigration Officials Announce Plans for Resuming 'Remain in Mexico' Hearings during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Texas must continue to reopen safely and the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control must lower their global health advisories before hearings resume.
Defense
Ban by Omission: US Military Leaves Confederate Flag Off Approved List
Esper’s order seems designed to bar the flag from display without provoking the president.
Employee Policy
Senator asks agencies to publicly share reopening plans
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich) sent letters to 24 agencies on July 14 asking them to release details of any contingency plans they had for ensuring employees’ safety after health concerns due to COVID-19 forced large numbers of government employees to work remotely.
Employee Policy
BLM materials not political, permitted at work, special counsel says
Because Black Lives Matter is not a political organization, literature or other materials displaying the organization’s name or slogans is not, in itself, a violation of the Hatch Act, according to the Office of Special Counsel.
Management