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.
Tech
Top intelligence lawmaker fears China may exploit DOGE’s changes to government
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., also called out the Trump administration on the recent firing of NSA Director Timothy Haugh, a move he viewed as “puzzling.”
Defense
Putting SPACECOM HQ in Alabama would have saved Pentagon $426 million, DOD IG says
But then-SPACECOM commander Gen. Dickinson was worried the move would result in significant personnel losses.
Tech
Bipartisan bill calls for NOAA to use AI to forecast wildfires and extreme weather
The bill’s introduction comes amid Trump administration efforts to scale back the agency’s workforce and operations.
Workforce
Top homeland security lawmaker calls for cautious cuts to CISA
“We have to be very careful about who and what we cut, because [the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] does have a mission to overwatch our critical infrastructure and make sure the bad guys aren’t getting in,” said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.
Pay & Benefits
Public Health Service officers would receive military leave benefits under bipartisan bill
The Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service is one of the uniformed services, which are associated with the armed forces, but don’t receive the same paid leave benefits.
Management
House Republicans object to GOP budget for not cutting enough spending
The blueprint directs the Senate to cut a minimum of $4 billion, while the House instructions task several committees with cutting at least $1.5 trillion in spending.
Management
Democrats confront Social Security Administration about disruptions to constituent SSI accounts
This is the first oversight effort of Senate Democrats’ new Social Security War Room.
Management
Critics worry DOGE’s rush to sell excess federal buildings could hurt agency missions, squander revenue opportunities
While shrinking the federal portfolio has been a bipartisan focus, Democrats at the hearing argued the Department of Government Efficiency’s strategy has been careless.
Workforce
OPM, OMB nominees praise ‘at-will’ employment at confirmation hearing
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee considered the nominations of Scott Kupor to serve as OPM director and Eric Ueland to serve as OMB’s deputy director for management.
Management
New legislation aims to increase access to VA sexual trauma care
Congress has paid increased attention to sexual misconduct at the military academies following revelations about mishandled cases at the Coast Guard Academy.
News
Senate GOP budget resolution sets stage for raising debt limit by as much as $5 trillion
House and Senate committees have until May 9 to submit their portions of a GOP budget reconciliation package.
Workforce
Pro-labor Republicans push Trump to rescind order busting most federal unions
House lawmakers on Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation to nullify President Trump’s executive order stripping two-thirds of the federal workforce of their collective bargaining rights.
Oversight
Former GOP congressman nominated to independent watchdog role
Anthony D’Esposito, a retired NYPD detective, served on the House Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure and Administration committees and introduced several measures concerning law enforcement issues during his one term.
Workforce
‘Gangster state’: Justice Department’s reorganization proposal slammed by Democrats
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could be merged with the Drug Enforcement Administration and DOJ prosecutors focused on tax enforcement and government corruption would be potentially reassigned under the initial plan.
Management
'This is the law, allocate the funding': Trump's funding freeze faces bipartisan and renewed court opposition
Top appropriators in the Senate are accusing Trump of unlawfully withholding $3 billion from the just-signed FY25 spending bill.
Management
Dems call for Bisignano to withdraw as SSA tweaks controversial plan
The Social Security Administration announced Wednesday that the plan to end phone service for benefits applications and direct deposit changes will no longer apply to Americans filing for disability payments.
Management
Senators grill Bisignano about contact with SSA and DOGE officials
The nominee to lead the Social Security Administration acknowledged knowing one DOGE operative for 20 years, but denied improper contacts with officials prior to his confirmation, despite whistleblower accounts to the contrary.
Updated
Management
Bill to fast track approval of Trump and Musk agency cuts advanced by House committee
Presidents have previously had the authority to propose government reorganization plans that Congress must approve or reject.
Management