Oversight
Veterans Affairs whistleblowers may not be getting settlement benefits due to a lack of oversight, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office warned that VA needs to do a better job of tracking whistleblower settlement agreements.
Oversight
OSC recognizes federal mine safety employees who blew the whistle about skipped inspections
The award comes as watchdog organizations have warned that Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, the agency that protects government whistleblowers, could weaken oversight.
Oversight
2 independent watchdogs quietly replaced by Trump
The former acting Education inspector general had accused administration officials of stonewalling an investigation, and the ex-acting Commerce IG was removed from that position for a second time.
Management
‘Bounce-back emails and no-replies’: IRS and Social Security workforce reductions are hurting constituent service, House Democrats argue
IRS has shrunk by 25%, mostly through voluntary separation incentives, while the Social Security Administration plans to shed 7,000 employees this fiscal year.
Workforce
Census is planning on hiring fewer temporary workers for the 2030 count, watchdog reports
An official from the nonprofit Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said the smaller workforce, among other proposed changes, could contribute to undercounts of certain groups.
Oversight
Whistleblower bill for contractors gains bipartisan support with Grassley’s backing
Supporters say the legislation would close “loopholes” in existing whistleblower protections for federal contractors.
Workforce
Most Americans oppose RIFs, but a good-government group says anti-layoff messaging needs to be improved
A Partnership for Public Service researcher said that there needs to be more focus on the consequences of laying off federal employees versus the government workers themselves because “we found through our focus groups that there's not a lot of sympathy for civil servants losing their jobs.”
Management
Former federal science leaders warn Trump proposals could cripple U.S. research
Experts decried potential rescissions of funding for science agencies as well as cuts to government researchers and grants.
Workforce
Amid ongoing federal layoffs, new fellowships offer opportunities for affected employees
Harvard University will provide full scholarships for selected recipients seeking master’s degrees, and a deadline for a new program from Democracy Forward to research the effects of President Donald Trump’s agency cuts is fast approaching.
Workforce
Census has long struggled with staffing shortages. Employees say Trump is making it worse
Voluntary separation incentives and the government hiring freeze have left remaining staff on the hook with more work.
Management
House sends bill to rescind billions for foreign aid and public media to the White House
Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said there will likely be additional rescission packages.
Management
Senate clears amended bill to claw back billions in foreign aid and public media funding
The House is expected to take up the legislation on Thursday.
Management
Bill to rescind billions in government funding being amended by the Senate
Republicans in the House and Senate have until Friday to pass the recissions measure that targets foreign assistance and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Workforce
Internal Veterans Affairs memo shows plan to scrutinize disability work from home accommodations
A department press secretary said the new policy is to ensure reasonable accommodations remain "necessary, reasonable and effective," while the American Federation of Government Employees contended it would push employees with disabilities out of the VA.
Management
Secret Service commits to continued improvements one year after Trump assassination attempt
The protective agency also received $1.2 billion, in part for recruitment and retention, from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Workforce
Third postal union ratifies new labor contract
The agreements come as a new postmaster general is under pressure to unwind the reforms of his predecessor.
Management
Artificial intelligence could supercharge Trump’s deregulatory push, but experts flag shortfalls
While noting AI’s benefits, speakers at a Tuesday event argued that an overreliance on the technology while developing regulations could lead to poor decisionmaking and legal challenges.
Management
Senate confirms new Office of Personnel Management head in mostly party-line vote
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was the only Republican to vote against Scott Kupor's nomination.
Management
High case numbers could snarl federal employees who appeal their removals
The Merit Systems Protection Board reported that, so far this fiscal year, it has received 11,166 appeals, which is twice its typical workload. A backlog could emerge if a quorum is not restored to the agency to issue final decisions.
Updated
Workforce