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Workforce
Federal employees removed by Trump would have easier pathway back to government service under Democratic bill
A pair of bills would seek to give hiring preference to axed feds and to standardize the length of probationary periods for government workers, as the administration has sought to fire those individuals who have less civil service job protections.
Pay & Benefits
House Republicans advance plan to cut federal worker benefits and undermine civil service protections
One Republican who voted against the measure said efforts to reduce existing federal workers’ pension benefits will fail if put to a vote before the full House.
Workforce
Selected federal hiring sprees included in House Republicans’ sweeping tax cut package
Several agencies across government would receive tens of billions of dollars to hire tens of thousands of employees.
Workforce
Survey says…most Americans don’t like DOGE
New polling data from the Partnership for Public Service shows that nearly double the number of surveyed respondents thought Trump’s federal workforce overhauls would have negative impacts compared with those who supported the policies, but there were sharp divides between Republicans and Democrats.
Management
The Trump administration just dismissed all 400 experts working on America’s official climate report
The White House's recent dismissal of volunteer scientists and experts working on the National Climate Assessment places the anticipated 2027 iteration of the climate change impact report on uncertain ground.
Transition
Trump Customs and Border Protection nominee probed on 2010 death in custody
Rodney Scott served as chief of Border Patrol during the first Trump administration and was dismissed in 2021 by President Biden.
Pay & Benefits
Don’t get stuck with a tax bill in retirement: The federal retiree's guide to tax withholding
While tax withholding is automatic while working, retirees face the responsibility of ensuring their income is withheld for federal and state taxes. With that in mind, here are some options to be aware of.
Workforce
Judge: Trump’s national security reasoning for anti-union EO was 'pretext for retaliation'
Even when taken at face value, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said the White House did not meet the evidentiary bar to prove that collective bargaining was incompatible with national security considerations for the majority of federal agencies.
Oversight
A DOGE aide involved in CFPB cuts owns stock prohibited by ethics laws
Gavin Kliger, a 25-year-old DOGE employee tasked with assisting in the recent rollout of more than 1,400 RIF notices at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau owns stock in several companies overseen by the agency.
Management
100% withholding on Social Security clawbacks scaled back by the Trump administration
The Biden administration had capped the clawbacks at 10%.
Workforce
NASA preparing for steep workforce cuts but hopeful it can avoid more layoffs
The agency is still planning for lunar missions and to keep all of its centers open, though it will likely do so with fewer employees.
Workforce
Despite return-to-office deadline, some VA employees may still work remotely because there's not enough workspace
Veterans Health Administration employees who live within 50 miles of federal office space must begin working fully in person by May 5 if they’re not already, but agency officials said there’ll be leniency if there’s not enough workspace.
Workforce
IRS to lay off taxpayer experience, DEI staff
It is not clear what will happen next to projects being done by the Taxpayer Experience Office, like making IRS notices to taxpayers more simple.
Workforce
Some Hatch Act restrictions loosened under the Trump administration
Based on the new rules, civil servants may be able to display campaign items supporting President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Pay & Benefits
Republicans tee up federal worker benefit cuts to pay for tax cuts
Federal workers hired in 2029 would contribute nearly 10% of their basic pay toward a less generous pension if they wish to retain their civil service protections under House lawmakers’ budget reconciliation proposal.
Workforce
Some DHS employees told to send selfies to prove they are in-office as department suddenly ends remote work
Employees are not being promised a place to work, but must report to any nearby office and ask if there is space for them.
Oversight
Connolly, top Democrat on oversight panel, will ‘soon’ leave post due to worsening cancer diagnosis
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., has led criticism of the Trump administration’s attempts to overhaul federal agencies.
Management
Justice Dept. rescinds rules safeguarding media from government seizures
The rules, first issued under former Attorney General Merrick Garland, gave members of the press protections from legal mechanisms to obtain sensitive data linked to their reporting.
Workforce
Some agencies are walking back workforce cuts with critical functions at risk of failure
The agency working on bird flu response is among those making contingency plans to slow down or pause work due to staff shortages.
Tech