Management
Hiring and Retention Are Key to Modernizing the State Department, Experts Testify
The secretary of State has said he is committed to “recruiting, retaining, promoting officers with the skills to contend with 21st century challenges and who look like the country we represent.”
Defense
US Navy’s Shipbuilding Plan Doesn’t Meet Congress’ Needs, Lawmakers Say
The past few have come with a “check-the-box mentality,” Rep. Wittman said.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Bill Providing Feds Paid Family Leave
Republicans question the methodology of a last-minute preliminary study by the Congressional Budget Office, despite the fact that CBO does not do full reports until bills are sent to the House floor.
Defense
Republicans Try New Bill to Repay National Guard for Post-Riot Protection, Minus a Rapid Response Force
No House GOPers voted for a May bill that would have reimbursed the Guard more than a half billion dollars.
Defense
National Guard Scrambles for Funds After Congress Refuses to Cover Jan. 6-Related Costs
More than a half billion dollars in the hole, the Guard’s chief has ordered the heads of the Army and Air Guards to claw back money from state units.
Management
Senators Reintroduce Bill to Protect Federal Employees Returning to Workplaces
The House passed an earlier version last Congress.
Pay & Benefits
Former Temporary Workers Could Make Catch-Up Pension Contributions Under New Bill
Currently, Federal Employees Retirement System employees who began their careers as temporary workers must work longer than anticipated to receive full retirement benefits.
Defense
Lawmaker Wants to Grill Officers on Critical Race Theory Before Approving Promotions
It’s the latest step Sen. Tom Cotton has proposed to stop “culture wars” within the military.
Management
Biden Signs Three Resolutions Undoing ‘Midnight’ Trump Regulations
The regulations are from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Treasury Department and Environmental Protection Agency.
Defense
House Panel Proposes $1M to Start Renaming Bases That Honor Confederates
The renaming commission plans to finalize the list in fall 2022.
Defense
Afghanistan is ‘Not a Winnable War,’ White House Says as Taliban Storms Country
President Ghani leaves Washington empty handed, as Biden rejects Republican calls to reverse U.S. troop withdrawal.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Spar Over Paid Family Leave for Feds
Democrats argue that the pandemic revealed the need for more expansive leave policies: Republicans dismissed the plan as an unnecessary “perk” for bureaucrats.
Defense
Austin, Milley Push Back on Lawmakers’ ‘Critical Race Theory’ Accusations
Republicans ask why West Point cadets learn about ‘White Rage,’ in pointed exchanges with nation’s first Black defense secretary.
Management
FBI Director Makes the Case for Increased Staffing
He touts the bureau’s low attrition rate and high number of applicants.
Defense
Austin: I Support Taking Military Sex Crime Prosecutions Away From Chain of Command
Defense secretary breaks with Joint Chiefs after they warn that Sen. Gillibrand’s leading UCMJ reform bill goes too far.
Oversight
Republicans Call for Hearing on Possible IRS Leak of Personal Taxpayer Information
Federal agencies took immediate action to investigate how a news organization got ahold of the sensitive information.
Pay & Benefits
Juneteenth Will Be a New Holiday for Feds, Although It’s Unclear When
The holiday would typically be observed Friday, but a lack of lead time to implement a newly passed bill could delay when federal workers see a new day off.
Defense
Biden’s Hair Should Be ‘On Fire’ Over Afghan Translators Being Left Behind, Senator Says
Sen. Angus King proposed solutions, such as sending Afghans to NATO allies temporarily, but said there’s not enough time for Congress to act.
Defense
Navy Needs 'Champion' In Secretary Nominee Del Toro, Analysts Say
The service faces a tight 2022 budget and ship-buying concerns.
Defense