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.
Defense
Army Chief Denies Trump’s Claim That Generals Make War for Arms Makers
“We take this very, very seriously,” Gen. James McConville said in an interview with Defense One.
Management
White House Moves to Redirect Funding for Some Diversity Training at Agencies
Citing unnamed “press reports,” OMB said some training conducted by agencies is “un-American” and sows division in the federal workforce.
Pay & Benefits
Payroll Tax Deferral Will Be Mandatory for Eligible Feds, Service Members
The Trump administration has ignored calls to allow federal employees to opt out of the planned deferral of Social Security taxes from lawmakers and federal employee groups.
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
The Trump Administration Is Backing Out of a $647 Million Ventilator Deal After ProPublica Investigated the Price
The government overpaid by hundreds of millions for Philips ventilators, says a House investigation spurred by ProPublica reporting. Now that deal is off and Congress is scrutinizing other coronavirus deals made by trade adviser Peter Navarro.
Management
Now in Government Food Aid Boxes: A Letter From Donald Trump
Democrats say the letter violates the law against using government resources to campaign. It’s just the latest example of President Trump using his office to boost his reelection hopes.
Pay & Benefits
Planned Payroll Tax Deferrals Create Minefield for Feds
If the deferment is made permanent, employees could see a lower payout in retirement; if not, employees could receive a large tax bill next year, union official says.
Management
If Trump Refuses to Accept Defeat in November, the Republic Will Survive Intact, as It Has 5 out of 6 Times in the Past
Five of the six contested presidential elections in U.S. history were resolved and the country moved on -- one ended in civil war. What will happen if the upcoming election is contested?
Management
Trump Promises to ‘Crush’ Coronavirus, Double Down on First-Term Priorities
“We will lead America into new frontiers of ambition and discovery,” the president said of his second term plans during the Republican National Convention.
Management
New Executive Order Seeks to Put Federal Buildings in Disadvantaged Areas
The General Services Administration will develop a plan to implement the directive.
Defense
Trump Announces Intent To Nominate Wolf As DHS Secretary
Eleven days ago, the GAO ruled that Wolf had been named acting secretary illegally.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Reevaluating the Hatch Act
Citizen for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington's Donald K. Sherman joins the podcast to discuss the complexities surrounding the rule in the Trump era.
Oversight
Burial Site Found on a Property Tied to Obama, Causing Tension With Native Hawaiians
After Native Hawaiian remains were found on the multimillion-dollar oceanfront lot being developed by the chair of the Obama Foundation, a state official decided to relocate the remains. Kamuela Kala‘i is speaking up for her ancestors.
Oversight
OSC Outlines Hatch Act Compliance Requirements for Convention Speech at White House
“If something falls into a gray zone, I recommend people seek OSC's Hatch Act advice before assuming something is either okay or a violation,” said a former OSC official.
Defense
Harris’ Foreign Policy Looks Mainstream, But Remains a Bit of a Mystery
But will it matter in an election that is likely to turn on domestic issues?
Management
Here's a Look at Kamala Harris' Record on Federal Workforce Issues
Harris has fought for public sector unions and upholding civil service laws.
Oversight
It’s Illegal for Federal Officials to Campaign on the Job. Trump Staffers Keep Doing It Anyway.
Trump administration officials have been cited 13 times for violating the Hatch Act, a New Deal-era law prohibiting government officials from engaging in campaigning.
Oversight
The Federal Government Gives Native Students an Inadequate Education, and Gets Away With It
The Bureau of Indian Education has repeatedly neglected warnings that it is not providing a quality education for 46,000 Native students. Once called a “stain on our Nation’s history,” the school system has let down its students for generations.
Defense