Nextgov
TSA's Plan to Address Evolving Threats to Travelers Relies on Innovative Technology
While technology was not a distinct focus area for the agency, it permeates every aspect of the administrator’s vision.
Pay & Benefits
Senator Calls for New Opt-In Period for Military's Blended Retirement System, More Financial Literacy
A new bill from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., would require service members to "affirmatively" choose between enrolling in the blended retirement system or a traditional military pension.
Nextgov
New National Science Foundation Director Begins Six-Year Term
Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan officially became the 15th director of the government’s lead scientific research outreach and funding arm.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Senators Ask Watchdog to Investigate Trump’s Testing Claims; Minority Health Experts ‘Conspicuously Quiet’ Amid Outreach Efforts
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
An Illustrated History of Government Agencies Twisting the Truth to Align With White House Misinformation
When Trump pushes outlandish misinformation, his federal agencies have turned it into official guidance and policy. Some have later had to reverse themselves.
Oversight
Reps. Sylvia Garcia, Joaquin Castro Call on ICE to Release Migrants in Immigration Detention Centers as Coronavirus Cases Surge
As cases surge in Texas and the pandemic rages on, the representatives said ICE should release all detainees who are not a safety risk and who are more vulnerable to contracting the virus.
Defense
Top Navy Official ‘Very Concerned’ About Strike at Maine Shipyard
About two-thirds of Bath Iron Works’ workers walked off the job on Sunday.
Employee Policy
Pandemic oversight group details watchdog challenges
The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee described issues with conducting oversight of federal agencies who received CARES Act funding and protecting the physical safety of employees whose work did not allow them to perform their duties remotely.
Retirement
Thrift Board chairman to leave June 30
Embattled Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board chairman Michael Kennedy will exit the agency as part of a Trump administration overhaul.
Management
In Zapata County, Local Government Is Fighting the Federal Government to Stop One Piece of the Border Wall
The rural border county is digging in and challenging the Department of Homeland Security in court over the government’s attempt to gain access to small tract of county-owned land.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The TARP and Pandemic Response Comparison
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to examine how the CARES Act oversight compares to the 2008 relief package oversight.
Route Fifty
Four States Have Borrowed Money to Pay Unemployment Benefits
Thirty-six states borrowed from the federal government after the Great Recession, which over time led some to restrict unemployment benefits.
Oversight
Top Senate Democrat Asks for Probe of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Removal
Request comes as the House will hear on Wednesday from Justice officials on supposed politicization of the department.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Outlines Impact of New Lifecycle Fund Implementation
Next week, officials at the federal government's 401(k)-style retirement savings program will begin offering lifecycle funds in five-year increments, moving the options in line with private sector counterparts.
Nextgov
5G-Focused Legislation Aims to Improve Security in Military Telecom Infrastructure
The DoD 5G Act would direct the launch of a Defense Secretary-led telecommunications security program.
Route Fifty
In Many Cities, Police Only Solve a Portion of Murder Cases. What Happens if We Defund Them?
Homicide clearance rates in cities across the country are abysmal. Experts say solving more murders would involve increased resources and improved community relations.
Employee Policy
GAO: Recruitment of disabled grows, but retention lags
A new Government Accountability Office review of recruiting and retention efforts to increase the number of employees with disabilities at federal agencies shows some bright spots, such as improved recruiting, but also finds ample room for improvement, most pointedly in retention.
Nextgov
DHS Insider Threat Program Expanding to Anyone Who Accesses Agency Info
The Homeland Security Department will begin tracking all personnel—federal employees and contractors, with or without a security clearance—in the hunt for insider threats.
Management
Civilian Federal Buildings Are Named After Confederates, KKK Members and Segregationists, Too
Amid uproar over military bases, GSA also operates buildings named after individuals with racist pasts.
Management