Author Archive
Oversight
Education Department layoffs hindered congressionally mandated activities, inspector general reports
The inspector general office at the Education Department has experienced several leadership shake-ups, including one acting leader who seems to have been replaced over the report.
Workforce
NSF is using its HQ move to revoke telework for workers with disabilities, employees say
Most of the science agency’s workforce is currently teleworking, as they are being relocated to a new office building that is close to the former headquarters.
Oversight
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
Management
Federal agencies are getting more attention on social media — and more criticism
Federal accounts are generating far more engagement on X than they did in the final year of the Biden administration, according to new research.
Oversight
Who watches the watchdogs? GAO finds flaws in inspector general oversight system
President Donald Trump has fired nearly 20 IGs, and his administration last year put a hold on funding for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Oversight
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Workforce
Most Americans think government workers are competent and should be nonpartisan, according to recent surveys
A survey from the Partnership for Public Service also found that a majority of Americans oppose the Trump administration’s changes to government.
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Workforce
A year after sounding the alarm, NIH dissenters say political influence is entrenched at research agency
The Trump administration has cut staff and grants at the National Institutes of Health, and employees warn further overhauls appear to be likely.
Management
After year of pushing employees out, OPM embraces familiar recruiting playbook
In order for agencies to attain top talent, Office of Personnel Director Scott Kupor pointed to job websites specific to college students, multi-agency position postings and tech recruiting programs — all strategies that the Biden administration also employed.
Workforce
Another lawsuit alleges DOJ is illegally rejecting telework requests from employees with disabilities
Some of the plaintiffs said that the revocations of their telework reasonable accommodations have forced them to take leave and worsened their health.
Oversight
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
Oversight
USPS financial crisis won’t be solved until Congress defines its service mission, regulator testifies
At a hearing Thursday, lawmakers also expressed doubt about a proposal from U.S. Postal Service leaders to raise the agency’s statutory debt limit.
Workforce
Lawsuit claims DOJ is retaliating against employees with disabilities who request telework
Many agencies have instituted policies to more strictly scrutinize telework as a reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities since the Trump administration’s return-to-office mandate.
Management
Weakening career staff while boosting political appointees at science agencies is causing ‘generational damage,’ nonprofit warns
The Partnership for Public Service reported that the federal government is spending less on scientific research in a majority of states and congressional districts.
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Workforce
Federal oversight faces ‘structural conflict’ as political appointees enter IG offices
The 16 agencies that now have non-Senate-confirmed political staffers for the first time in 15 years include the IRS and Forest Service, according to a new report.
Management
Bipartisan IRS whistleblower reform bill gains momentum in Senate after House approval
The IRS said that it has collected around $7.5 billion due to whistleblowers since 2007.
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Oversight
Citing legal requirement, senator wants a designated inspector general to provide oversight of Iran war
The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is required to select an IG to oversee reviews when a military “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
Oversight
Labor oversight official faces ethics complaint for apparent congressional campaign moves
While Anthony D'Esposito decided not to run for his former House seat, federal employees are not permitted to be candidates in partisan elections, which includes taking preliminary actions for a campaign.
Workforce
They were told they’d move on. A year later, many fired federal employees say they haven’t been able to
A group of former federal probationary employees surveyed more than 300 of their fired colleagues to assess their job searches, mental health and several other topics.
Management
Agency leaders back GSA bid for full access to federal building repair funds
Officials argued that GSA’s deferred maintenance backlog has increased to an estimated $26 billion, in part, because Congress puts annual restrictions on amounts the agency can spend from the Federal Buildings Fund.
