Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: IRS Adds Phone Operators for Stimulus Check Questions; Congressional Commission Releases its First Report
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Federal Data Strategy Deadlines Shift Due to COVID-19
The team prioritized some items for the pandemic response but extended other deadlines.
Retirement
TSP updates loan, withdrawal options
The Thrift Savings Plan announced updates for temporary loans and withdrawals for TSP participants affected by COVID-19.
Employee Policy
Senators look to jump start hiring for IG staff overseeing pandemic relief
The Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Expedited Hiring Authority Act amends the CARES Act to expedite the IG’s hiring and contracting authority.
Employee Policy
Arbitrator supports AFGE VA Council’s official time grievance
Finding that the Department of Veterans Affairs improperly denied union representatives official time, the arbitrator ordered the VA to award union reps back pay with interest and restore the leave time they spent performing their duties.
Defense
Fired State IG Was Investigating Saudi Arms Sale
A key House Democrat says that might be why he was fired.
Nextgov
Critical Update: Why the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Certification Program Inspires Hope and Fear
The Defense Department’s Katie Arrington, and representatives from across the federal contracting community share perspectives on a new era dawning in U.S. cybersecurity policy.
Oversight
Another Private Jet Company Owned by a Trump Donor Got a Bailout — This One for $20 Million
The two private jet companies are among the first 96 airline companies disclosed as recipients of taxpayer funds under the CARES Act.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Inspectors General and Oversight In the Trump Administration
Katherine McIntire Peters and Courtney Bublé join the podcast to discuss the president's letter stating that he will remove State Department Inspector General Steve Linick from his job.
Route Fifty
Colorado Groups Push for Tax Hike on Higher Earners to Help With Budget Shortfall
The temporary income tax increase they’re supporting would apply to households making upwards of $250,000 per year. The state, like others, is facing budget pressures tied to the coronavirus outbreak.
Oversight
Trump’s Decision to Fire the State Department’s Watchdog Draws Bipartisan Concern on Capitol Hill
Some Republicans say the president failed to provide an adequate justification to Congress.
Management
Don't Expect a Single Return-to-the-Office Day for Feds, White House Says
Recalling employees back to offices will vary across agencies and regions based on mission needs, official says.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Announces Upcoming COVID-19 Loans, Withdrawals
New loan and withdrawal options enacted through the CARES Act will become available in June and July, respectively, while officials have noted other options for participants to access their money are already in place.
Route Fifty
Texas Allows Evictions to Proceed Again
The state, which like others is experiencing historic levels of unemployment, is one of the earliest to restart eviction proceedings.
Nextgov
HHS Relaxes Data Security and Privacy Enforcement For COVID-19 Test Sites
The agency offered a list of suggested security measures but said it will not be imposing penalties in specific circumstances.
Employee Policy
NTEU calls on IRS to further extend tax filing deadline
National Treasury Employee Union leaders pressed the administration to reschedule the deadline to Oct. 15
Employee Policy
Arbitrator finds SSA withheld key information in dispute with judges' union
The decision comes as the Association of Administrative Law Judges is in the midst of a lawsuit against component of the Federal Labor Relations Authority.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Military Sees Increase in Leave Deferrals; AFL-CIO Sues OSHA for Emergency Standard to Protect Workers
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
State and Federal Data on COVID-19 Testing Don’t Match Up
The CDC has quietly started releasing nationwide numbers. But they contradict what states themselves are reporting.
Management