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.

Workforce

The House, Senate and White House all want more FAA staffing, but disagree on how to get there

All parties acknowledge the agency is facing a crisis that will cause mass disruptions to air travel absent more resources.

Management

Post-pandemic, most agency headquarters are only one-quarter full

Agency officials say they are worried telework policies will change and therefore they must retain their underutilized buildings.

Workforce

Biden administration to Congress: Don't give us more authority to fire people

Legal hurdles to already failed approaches would only complicate the disciplinary process, officials say.

Workforce

‘They don’t care about my life’: Lawmakers, employees raise concerns about heat after USPS mail carrier's death

Record temperatures are renewing longstanding fears that USPS is pushing employees to the brink without adequate concern for their safety.

Management

With a new shipping service, USPS says it could handle extra demand sparked by UPS strike

The Postal Service is rolling out new shipping offerings that it predicts will help it absorb new business that results from a potential work stoppage at one of its competitors.

Workforce

Court opens up more discretion for reducing feds’ punishments

Federal employees facing firings will have an easier time mitigating that discipline to a lower form of punishment under new precedent.

Management

Republicans look to eliminate armed law enforcement at some agencies

While only a small number of employees, conservative lawmakers say the officers infringe on Americans' rights.

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.

Workforce

Supreme Court rejects USPS bid to require employees to work on Sundays

The Postal Service may still prevail in lower court, but the high court has created a new precedent USPS must now follow in providing religious accommodations.

Workforce

Republican leaders take another shot at easing the firing process for VA workers

Previous efforts to speed up firing at VA have fallen flat, but lawmakers are launching a new, bipartisan effort.

Management

Regulator shuts down USPS’ request to implement DeJoy’s overhaul without additional oversight

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is proposing "dramatic change to every aspect of the postal environment," says the USPS regulator that wants to ensure added scrutiny.

Management

Senate remains divided along party lines as it kicks off the fiscal 2024 funding process

Despite a budget deal and calls for bipartisanship, a fall shutdown remains possible amid disagreements on appropriations levels.

Management

A union is still pushing to permanently end the threat of delayed paychecks due to a debt default

The Biden administration will soon have to articulate its views on the constitutionality of the debt ceiling.

Workforce

USPS begins issuing layoff notices to some employees

The Postal Service hopes to find new jobs for those impacted, but it has not detailed the reasons for the cuts.

Management

Congress Is Still Heading Toward a Shutdown Despite the Budget Deal, Democrats Say

House Republicans are voting on spending bills that would cut funding below the frozen levels lawmakers agreed to as part of the debt ceiling negotiations.