Management
Government shutdowns hurt federal worker morale, long after paychecks resume − especially for those considered ‘nonessential’
COMMENTARY | People don’t leave government because of a single event like a shutdown, but negative experiences accumulate over time.
Updated
Management
Latest Republican plan to avert government shutdown fails with one day until agencies shutter
Republicans had hoped a stopgap measure that suspended the debt ceiling would earn Democratic support and avoid Trump’s wrath, but Congress remains on a shutdown path.
Management
Trump seeks to spike stopgap funding bill, sending Congress into chaos days before shutdown
A short-term spending bill appeared dead less than 24 hours after its introduction and less than three days before agencies must shutter.
Updated
Management
Congress aims to punt agency funding to March, but hurdles remain ahead of shutdown deadline
White House has warned that such a plan, without additional funds, could lead to hiring freezes at agencies.
Management
Musk, Ramaswamy focus on slashing telework and federal employee attrition in initial meetings with Republicans
The government efficiency commissioners want to work with Congress to cement their reforms into law.
Pay & Benefits
Wildland firefighters face up to $20,000 pay cut if Congress doesn’t act − that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress
COMMENTARY | The fate of three-year-old pay raises meant to retain federal wildland firefighters again hangs in the balance while Congress hammers out another budget deal.
Workforce
White House, agencies warn of hiring freezes without ‘anomalies’ to upcoming spending bill
Agencies, already slashing workforce costs due to a constrained budget environment, are now reckoning with yet another short-term funding measure.
Tech
‘The $42B question’: What’s next for federal broadband funding?
The Trump administration could fiddle with the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program or even claw back funds. But the ball will be in states’ courts given how quickly they have moved, and the momentum behind getting people connected.
Oversight
Marjorie Taylor Greene to head new government efficiency subcommittee
The panel will work closely with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s advisory Department of Government Efficiency.
Management
Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best
The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.
Management
Trump vows to 'dismantle federal bureaucracy' and 'restructure' agencies with new, Musk-led commission
Vivek Ramaswamy, who has vowed to cut 75% of the federal workforce, will co-chair the initiative.
Management
House Republicans say they’ll confer with Trump on shutdown avoidance plans
Republican leaders are weighing another stopgap bill, but want to consider Trump's preference.
Tech
Will cyber suffer under Trump’s goal to slash federal budgets?
Donald Trump’s intent to cut agency budgets has sparked concerns over adequate cybersecurity funding for government networks. Some believe these fears may be overstated.
Management
VA breaks records for veterans served despite slowing hiring
VA is now seeking a budget boost to meet staffing needs and veterans demands for fiscal 2025.
Workforce
Facing tight budgets, agencies turn to workforce restrictions to rein in costs
Biden began his presidency seeking to boost the civil service and improve federal hiring. At many agencies, he is ending it by cutting back.
Management
Without budget anomaly, SSA hiring is restricted and overtime is at 'historic lows'
Congress’ refusal to provide additional funding for the Social Security Administration in September’s two-month continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown is kneecapping two tools that are key to combatting the agency’s customer service crisis.
Tech
Trump and Harris are sharply divided on science, but share common ground on US technology policy
The candidates have demonstrated different budget priorities when it comes to the role of science and research funding in the federal government, but have taken similar approaches in the technology competition with China.
Management
Congress averts a shutdown, setting up a lame duck fight in December
A stopgap funding bill is heading to Biden's desk as Congress staves off a pre-election shutdown.
Management
Bipartisan deal looks to punt shutdown threat into December
Congressional leaders vow to act quickly to pass stopgap, Secret Service funding, by Sept. 30 deadline.
Management