Author Archive
Oversight
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Management
Another postal union approves its collective bargaining agreement
As the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association ratified its contract, members of the American Postal Workers Union began voting on their tentative deal.
Oversight
Watchdog says VA isn’t keeping close enough tabs on retention bonuses
While department officials blamed an overhaul to human resources processes for the errors, the inspector general noted that auditors have previously warned about similar issues.
Tech
Georgetown leverages ex-fed tech experts with new fellowship program
Tech policy experts and U.S. Digital Service alums will join an inaugural program that aims to advance civic technology, while offering experience and insights to public service-focused students.
Management
House GOP clears measure to claw back billions from foreign assistance and public media programs
The Senate will take up this initial effort to codify some Department of Government Efficiency cuts after it finishes work on the budget reconciliation package.
Management
Trump’s plan to overhaul disaster agency once hurricane season is over prompts Democratic concerns
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already experienced staffing cuts and leadership changes ahead of an “above-normal” hurricane season.
Management
Agency financial, performance report writers get their moment in the spotlight
An association of government financial professionals sponsors a yearly award ceremony that recognizes outstanding agency accountability reports.
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Workforce
Unions and advocacy groups protest veteran job cuts, warn of downstream impacts
The Trump administration is planning to cut around 15% of staff at the Veterans Affairs Department.
Management
Small Business Administration would have to relocate field offices from ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ under House-passed bill
The agency previously said it would move six of its regional offices from cities that have laws limiting their cooperation with federal immigration agents.
Oversight
Education Department is stonewalling inspector general investigation into staff cuts, Democrats allege
The department’s inspector general informed congressional leaders that officials weren’t turning over requested information and are putting conditions on interviews with staff.
Workforce
Feds on the job hunt are taking advantage of professional development opportunities tailored to them
Initiatives are focusing on topics ranging from wellness and career coaching to artificial intelligence.
Oversight
Potential shortcomings in USAID–State Department merger plan raise concerns
The inspector general found that the new hiring numbers aren’t based on any workforce strategy, the realignment implementation plan isn’t finished and the agency team overseeing the transfer is set to disband.
Oversight
Trump’s picks for oversight roles will jeopardize independent scrutiny of government operations, watchdog groups say
The president recently nominated individuals to serve as special counsel and agency inspectors general, both of which receive and investigate complaints of waste, fraud and abuse.
Workforce
DOGE reorganization of nuclear regulator prompts concerns about the agency’s continued focus on safety
President Donald Trump wants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to lay off workers, while the agency has fallen short of its recruitment goals in recent years and struggled to replenish its aging workforce.
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Workforce
Democratic bills would rehire axed National Parks and Forest Service employees
Both agencies have already undergone workforce reductions with more layoffs still planned.
Workforce
USDA HQ employees told to work remotely so office building can house soldiers in upcoming military parade
President Donald Trump has sought to prevent federal employees from working remotely.
Workforce
DHS says it won’t eliminate oversight offices but is still pursuing layoffs
Progressive legal organizations are suing to stop the Trump administration from winding down the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties as well as two ombudsmen focused on immigration.
Oversight
Government oversight employees detail fears of retaliation under Trump administration in new Senate report
President Donald Trump has, so far, fired 19 inspectors general, who are independent watchdogs that investigate waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies.
Oversight
Biden’s Social Security head ran afoul of the Hatch Act, watchdog agency says
Because Martin O’Malley left the federal government at the end of the Biden administration, the Office of Special Counsel said that it would not pursue disciplinary action against him.
Oversight
Pandemic IG spent end of tenure simultaneously in leadership at a different agency
A good government group argued the “double hatting” undermines public trust in the independent watchdogs, while the Housing and Urban Development Department said there was no overlap between Brian Miller’s work as an inspector general and general counsel.
