Tech
US has ‘a lot of work to do’ on cyber defenses, departing cyber czar says
Outgoing National Cyber Director Harry Coker thinks his office needs more influence over the federal cyber budget but not necessarily more authority on offensive cyber operations.
Management
Award-winning VA leaders show the impact that federal employees can have serving the public
The presidential rank awards recognize outstanding senior government executives.
Management
Trump says his transition with the Biden administration is ‘not smooth’
Other reports, including from Trump's own chief of staff, indicate the process is going according to plan.
News
What to know about President Jimmy Carter lying in state at the U.S. Capitol
Carter, who died Dec. 29 at 100 in his hometown of Plains, Ga., lived the longest of any U.S. president in history.
Pay & Benefits
Biden signs windfall elimination provision repeal into law
The Social Security Fairness Act ends both the WEP and the government pension offset, increasing the Social Security checks for more than 2 million retired public servants.
Management
Biden to close federal agencies Jan. 9 for Carter day of mourning
The White House unveiled an executive order Monday giving federal employees Jan. 9 off in recognition of the death of the 39th president.
Pay & Benefits
Biden finalizes 2% pay raise for feds next month
The president was apparently unmoved by federal employee groups and some House Democrats’ pleas to restore pay parity between the civilian and military workforces.
Management
Biden gives federal employees Christmas Eve off
Amid the potential of a government shutdown fueled by budget uncertainties on Capitol Hill, the president issued an executive order on Thursday giving federal employees Dec. 24 off.
Tech
Republican lawmakers ask Trump to kill IRS Direct File
The new program intended to enable free, online tax filing directly with the government has garnered controversy and praise since its inception.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers call on Biden to grant feds a 4.5% raise in 2025, restoring pay parity
President Biden previously came under fire from federal employee groups and some lawmakers for proposing only a 2.0% average pay raise for civilian workers, abandoning a longstanding Democratic priority.
Oversight
Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog
It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.
Workforce
White House, agencies warn of hiring freezes without ‘anomalies’ to upcoming spending bill
Agencies, already slashing workforce costs due to a constrained budget environment, are now reckoning with yet another short-term funding measure.
Management
As Trump’s teams get set to deploy to agencies, concerns remain over his transition approach
The president-elect is still sidestepping many of the procedures typically required for presidential transitions, but Biden's White House says its hands are tied.
Updated
Management
Extraordinary senior executives receive presidential rank award
The selective honor comes with a cash award that is up to 35% of the recipient’s annual basic pay.
Tech
Trump’s first White House debated the role of the U.S. Digital Service. What will Trump 2.0 do?
The Office of Management and Budget led an effort to assess USDS — even whether it should exist — during the twilight days of the Trump administration. With another Trump White House incoming, the question of what’s next for the government’s digital SWAT team looms.
Breaking News
Management
Trump teams to deploy throughout government after reaching agreement with the Biden administration
The president-elect had previously refused to sign the agreement and is still sidestepping many of the steps typically required for presidential transitions.
Management
How George Washington used his first Thanksgiving as president to unite a new country
On Nov. 26, 1789, Washington called on the people to hold their new country together in the face of forces that he knew could pull it apart.
Defense
‘Extraordinarily dangerous’: Intelligence community insiders warn against Trump’s director of national intelligence pick
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has a “history of irresponsibly promoting misinformation,” said one official.
Tech
How the federal CIO is prepping for the presidential transition
Cybersecurity, customer experience and effective transition efforts have been top-of-mind for Clare Matorana in the last days of the Biden administration.
Management