Management

As More Climate Migrants Cross Borders Seeking Refuge, Laws Will Need to Adapt

Climate migrants don’t fit neatly into the legal definitions of refugee or migrant, and that can leave them in limbo. The Biden administration is debating how to identify and help them.

Defense

To US Army, Getting Women’s Body Armor Quickly Is an Unfunded Priority

Lawmakers question why the service left $81 million to “accelerate” gear for women and short men out of its latest budget request.

Management

Budget Request for Federal Prisons Agency Isn’t Enough, Union Says

Agency argues the president’s request “provides sufficient funding to cover ...cost increases in pay and benefits, rent costs, and prison and detention operations.” 

Oversight

Congress Considers Future of the Military Draft, while Supreme Court Holds Off

Questions include whether women should be compelled to register, as men are, and whether the draft and draft registration should exist at all.

Defense

Austin Asks Top General For ‘Options’ to Evacuate Afghans

Operation would need authorization from White House, which is not yet “actively pursuing” the idea.

Pay & Benefits

Two New Retirement Savings Bills Could Impact TSP

Officials at the Thrift Savings Plan said both bills aimed at making it easier for older Americans to get ready for retirement require changes to be implemented faster than is possible.

Management

Senate Has Passed Three Resolutions to Undo ‘Midnight’ Trump Regulations

Thursday is the estimated deadline for the Senate to use its fast-track authority under the Congressional Review Act.

Defense

US Air Force Will Cut Turkey from F-35 Production, Kendall Says

The service secretary nominee also signals he’s not in favor of reducing U.S. F-35 purchases.

Oversight

Committee Advances Bill to Protect IGs from Political Retaliation 

The sweeping legislation addresses many issues raised during the Trump administration. 

Management

GovExec Daily: Congress and the Budget Process

The Project on Government Oversight's Liz Hempowicz joined the show to discuss the power of the purse.

Pay & Benefits

Bipartisan Bill Would Extend Feds’ Paid Parental Leave to Military Troops

Legislation would provide service members with 12 weeks of paid parental leave per year and would extend the benefit to scenarios involving miscarriages and stillbirths.

Oversight

Watchdog Suggests 112 New Actions to Enhance Government Savings and Efficiency 

Taxpayer services, prison staffing and infectious disease modeling are some of the areas the Government Accountability Office listed as ripe for reforms. 

Defense

‘Hype’ Over Military Coup Fears Delayed Troops’ Jan. 6 Response, Miller To Tell Congress

In testimony, former Acting SecDef Christopher Miller will say he dismissed Trump’s warning that 10,000 troops should be ready for his rally in Washington, but blames the media and credits his own deliberations for slowing the military's response at the Capitol.

Defense

Army Leaders Have Agreed to Cap Troop Size, Top General Says

Gen. McConville and the acting secretary have agreed the force will not grow past 485,000 active-duty soldiers next year. But can they keep it from shrinking?

Workforce

FEC Recommends Top Leaders Be Eligible for Senior Executive Service

The Senior Executive Association’s initial review says the proposal “makes sense on its face.”

Management

House Panel Advances Legislation to Expand VA Medical Employee Bargaining Rights

The VA Employee Fairness Act would grant medical professionals the right to bargain over scheduling and official time, and to file grievances over pay disputes.