Oversight
The Biden administration is without a confirmed ethics czar
This is the first time in five years that the federal government's ethics agency has been without a confirmed director. Trump holdover Emory Rounds stepped down when his term expired earlier this month.
Management
Democrats try again to reform the vacancies act
Democrats are trying once again to reform the parameters on acting federal officials.
Management
Biden looks to swap leadership at civil service watchdog agencies
White House nominates a Trump appointee for a new role overseeing enforcement of civil service laws.
Management
It’s Been 6-Plus Years Without a Permanent Head of Governmentwide Financial Management
The last presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed controller at the Office of Management and Budget left in January 2017.
Oversight
Trump’s Global Media CEO Abused Authority and Wasted Funds, Review Finds
New agency leadership has been working to restore the agency’s operations and make corrective reforms.
Workforce
OPM Denied 20% of Agency Requests to Let Politicals Convert Into Career Roles
In another 23% of cases, agencies failed to seek permission before letting political appointees "burrow in."
Management
The HHS Secretary Violated the Hatch Act, Office of Special Counsel Determines
“With a presidential election approaching next year, this report offers an opportunity to deter violations by reminding federal employees at all levels of the Hatch Act restrictions,” OSC says.
Management
Appeals Panel for Feds No Longer Whole As Former Board Member Runs for Office
The Merit Systems Protection Board, now once again dealing with a vacancy as former member runs for state House in West Virginia, vows to continue working on its backlog.
Management
The IRS Has a New Commissioner After Senate Approves Biden's Pick in a Bipartisan Vote
"Government geek" Danny Werfel will lead the agency for a second time at a pivotal moment in IRS history.
Oversight
Senate Democrats Back FAA Nominee, Despite GOP Objections at Confirmation Hearing
Committee’s confirmation hearing for Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, came more than seven months after Biden first nominated him
Workforce
The 'People Who Make Government Go' Are Affected by the Vacancies Act
Employment attorney Dan Meyer joins the podcast to discuss acting leadership at agencies and how it affects policy.
Management
A Key Agency in the Ohio Train Derailment Response Hasn’t Had a Confirmed Leader Since Biden Took Office
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is under capable interim leadership, but the lack of a nominee sends a signal about the administration’s priorities, former officials and other observers say.
Management
Federal Scientists Are Feeling More Empowered Under Biden, Though Censorship Remains a Concern
Employees "painted harrowing pictures" of their time under Trump, but in a new survey said things are mostly getting better.
Management
Carp, Cars and COVID: Czars Can Cover Any Issue
Tom Shoop joins the podcast to discuss how a Russian loanword came to be applied to American government officials.
Management
Biden’s IRS Pick Says He’s the ‘Government Geek’ for the Job
Nominee pledges transparency with unprecedented spending and hiring surge as he takes on the “most challenging and least popular job in town.”
Management
The White House Has a New Leader for Federal Workforce and Agency Performance Issues
Biden taps former national security official with extensive experience at outside good government groups.
Management
3 Biden Officials Are Serving Unlawfully, a Watchdog Rules
GAO continues a standoff with the Biden administration over the rules of agency leaders serving in temporary capacities.
Management
The Labor Secretary Is Set to Leave His Post for the NHL Players Union, Reports Say
The news comes as some House Republicans set their sights on oversight for fraud in pandemic-era benefits programs including enhanced unemployment insurance.
Management
With a New Congress, Comes Another Try for Biden’s Nominees
“We seek the swift confirmation of many critical, crucial, high-qualified nominees to serve across the administration,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Management