Pay & Benefits
Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Optional
Legislation requiring workers, including federal employees and military service members, to consent in writing to have their Social Security taxes deferred between now and the end of the year has the support of nearly 20 employee groups.
Pay & Benefits
Higher TSP Contributions Kick In, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Revive Push to Make Feds’ Payroll Tax Deferral Optional
The effort to pressure the Trump administration into allowing federal employees to opt out of the controversial initiative to delay collection of Social Security taxes until next year is now bipartisan.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect All Feds’ Leave Following COVID
Although OPM’s current policy only waives the 30-day annual leave cap for essential employees who are unable to use their leave due to their duties responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Democrats in Congress want to extend the waiver to all federal workers.
Management
President Signs Bill to Allow Electric Vehicle Charges on Government Purchase Cards
The bipartisan bill saves taxpayers money and boosts energy efficiency, senators say.
Management
House Passes Bill to Protect Federal Employees Returning to Workplaces
The Senate introduced a companion version on Wednesday.
Defense
Defense Experts Throw Warning Flags As Congress Mulls Tighter Buy-American Rules
The House NDAA would require major defense programs to be all-American by 2026.
Oversight
Former Officials Describe ‘Gross Mismanagement’ by New Global Media Agency CEO
Michael Pack has brought sweeping change to the taxpayer-funded international broadcasting agency.
Management
High-Ranking State Dept. Official Testifies IG Was Not Ousted for Political Retaliation
Four months after the firing, questions linger over exactly what happened.
Management
House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Boost Agencies’ Spending Transparency
Lawmakers of both parties resoundingly support measures to more clearly show the public how agencies spend taxpayer money.
Oversight
Lawmakers Question HHS’ $250 Million Contract for Coronavirus Communications
Democrats are concerned the Trump administration is using taxpayer funds for "political propaganda" ahead of the election.
Oversight
House Democrat Seeks to Hold IGs Accountable for Reviewing Agencies’ Reopenings
Most of the watchdog offices contacted by Rep. Connolly plan to conduct some form of review.
Oversight
Congressional Subcommittees Will Investigate Fort Hood's Leadership After a String of Deaths
"Where appropriate, we intend to seek justice on behalf of those in uniform," the subcommittee chairs said while announcing their probe of the Texas Army base.
Management
New Bill Would Create a Conservation Job Corps Run By Interior and USDA
It would also create a multi-agency council to oversee the $55.8 billion program.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Make Last Ditch Push for Payroll Tax Deferral Opt-Out
Despite efforts, it appears unlikely the administration will reverse course on forcing federal workers to temporarily skip paying taxes that go toward Social Security.
Oversight
Democrats Request Probe of Alleged Hatch Act Violations at Republican Convention
“We are particularly concerned with the consequences of White House actions on career employees who may have felt pressured to help organize and put on these events,” they wrote.
Oversight
Administration’s Decision to Halt Election Security Briefings Worries Many
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said that in an effort to prevent leaks, the intelligence community will no longer provide in-person briefings to Congress about threats, only written updates.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Updating Legacy IT Systems at Agencies
Nextgov's Mila Jasper and Heather Kuldell join the podcast to discuss the progress of IT system upgrades.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The Postmaster General's Appearances on the Hill
GovExec's Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss Louis DeJoy's two recent appearances before Congress.
Oversight