Author Archive
Sean Michael Newhouse
Staff Reporter
Sean Michael Newhouse has been with Government Executive since 2024. He covers anything and everything, but particularly focuses on Generation Z’s entry into the federal workforce, how AI will impact agency operations as well as regulatory, contracting and government real estate policy. Previously, Sean reported on House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Sean Michael Newhouse has been with Government Executive since 2024. He covers anything and everything, but particularly focuses on Generation Z’s entry into the federal workforce, how AI will impact agency operations as well as regulatory, contracting and government real estate policy. Previously, Sean reported on House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Management
Trump’s disregard of presidential transition requirements shows need for reform, experts argue
A new Center for Presidential Transition report found that the Trump transition team’s refusal of certain assistance reduced time for agencies to prepare for a new administration and created ethics and security concerns.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Ex-feds join forces to reimagine government post-Trump
The nonprofit Democracy Forward has tapped more than a dozen former government workers as fellows to generate proposals to improve their former agencies’ effectiveness.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Democrats try again to reestablish legal deference to agencies on regulations
The bicameral bill also seeks to limit the ability of businesses to influence the rulemaking process.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
In spite of more public awareness about federal workforce cuts’ impacts, opposition to them hasn’t grown, survey suggests
Democrats and young adults are more likely to report being affected by or knowing someone impacted by the Trump administration’s government workforce reductions.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Trump administration resumes funding for inspectors general hub after previously blocking it
OMB’s move to restore CIGIE funding until Jan. 30 comes as the president has already fired or replaced more than 20 agency inspectors general.
- Sean Michael Newhouse and Natalie Alms
Updated
Management
Virginia lawmakers glad National Science Foundation headquarters to remain in state
The General Services Administration announcement about NSF's new building did not address when the Housing and Urban Development Department would move into the science agency's current headquarters.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Postal Service leadership brushes off calls to pause modernization plan, as financial losses continue
Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy intended for the U.S. Postal Service to break even by fiscal 2023 under his Delivering for America plan.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Agencies could still be digging out from shutdown when funding deal ends, association says
The Congressional Budget Office and an industry group for federal contractors both predict the government won’t return to pre-shutdown operational levels until 2026. A partial funding lapse could start at the end of January without congressional action.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
New watchdog at Education Department may have shared pro-Trump social media posts
This latest replacement of the acting Education inspector general comes as the president has fired or removed more than 20 of the agency watchdogs.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Education Department can’t use furloughed employees’ out-of-office emails to blame shutdown on Democrats, judge rules
The American Federation of Government Employees filed a lawsuit after Education staffers reported that their out-of-office messages had been modified.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Housing regulator watchdog ousted, another in Trump’s ongoing replacement of acting inspectors general
Trump has replaced at least five acting IGs and fired nearly 20 of the oversight officials.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Updated
Workforce
‘We’ll still continue to serve’: Many federal employees turn to volunteering during shutdown
Many government workers say they have also had to rely on nonprofits for assistance during the funding lapse.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
‘If you don't serve today, you can serve tomorrow’: Former feds remain hopeful about public service despite challenges under Trump
Former officials, including some pushed out by President Donald Trump, shared stories from their federal service at a National Academy of Public Administration event.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Alleged politicization of public service student loan forgiveness sparks lawsuit against Trump administration
The Education Department published a rule that could block federal student loan borrowers who work for entities that provide assistance to migrants or trans youth from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Senator argues that federal agencies should be more like Spirit Halloween, at least when it comes to real estate
While the Trump administration is prioritizing rightsizing the federal real estate portfolio, it has pared back several more aggressive efforts to offload property.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
‘It’s more important than ever’: Federal employee awards program endures in time of civil service job cuts
Two winners of the Arthur S. Flemming award who spoke to "Government Executive" emphasized the importance of agency internships as well as their own work expanding and protecting access to clean water in the U.S.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Senate committee backs $1.4B FBI HQ move over Democratic protests
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the plan to move the Bureau to the Ronald Reagan Building in a party-line vote, with several legislative hurdles remaining.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
White House pushes agencies to deregulate faster
While President Donald Trump is pursuing a deregulatory agenda, the shutdown is likely hampering progress.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Lawmakers decry shutdown layoffs and the Trump administration’s lack of communication about them
The House Democrats pressed for the reversals of recent reductions in force at the Education and Health and Human Services departments.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Senate Democrats grill inspector general nominees over their independence from Trump
Lawmakers especially criticized the nomination of former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., to lead the Labor Department’s watchdog office.
- Sean Michael Newhouse