Workforce
Bureau of Prisons to close 7 facilities, threatening about 400 federal jobs
AFGE says employees who remain with BOP will face “disruptive relocations.”
Oversight
OSC questions agencies’ findings from a pair of whistleblower investigations
A CBP whistleblower alleged officials stopped an air unit from performing potentially life-saving missions, while an individual from the FAA accused officials at Detroit’s airport of inadequately safeguarding landings.
Management
New data shows why it's taking the Senate longer to confirm presidential appointees
President-elect Trump is already pressuring senators to let him bypass, under certain conditions, the Senate’s oftentimes lengthy confirmation process for appointees.
Oversight
Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog
It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.
Oversight
GAO saved the federal government $67.5 billion in fiscal 2024
The watchdog’s open recommendations could be a foundation for the new Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Updated
Management
Extraordinary senior executives receive presidential rank award
The selective honor comes with a cash award that is up to 35% of the recipient’s annual basic pay.
Management
Trump’s Education nominee would bring past government experience to the role
While she’s known for being the president and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, Linda McMahon is not a newcomer to the federal government.
Oversight
Marjorie Taylor Greene to head new government efficiency subcommittee
The panel will work closely with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s advisory Department of Government Efficiency.
Management
GOP pollster says survey data shows Americans would not support Trump’s efforts to reinstitute Schedule F
The federal government has an image problem. Frank Luntz has thoughts on how to improve it.
Management
Immigration enforcement agents see Trump’s border czar as one of their own
Tom Homan spent more than 30 years as a federal law enforcement officer, ultimately becoming the leader of ICE.
Oversight
Intelligence IGs head for the exit before Trump’s return
Trump fired five inspectors general during his first administration.
Oversight
Senator wants info on inspectors general office sexual harassment settlements
Grassley wrote that whistleblowers informed his office that the financial agreements required complainants to sign non-disclosure agreements.
Management
Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best
The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.
Pay & Benefits
Feds in 2024 made almost a quarter less than their private sector peers
The Federal Salary Council, which reported the disparity, also recommended creating new locality pay areas in Kennewick-Richland-Walla Walla, Wash., and Syracuse-Auburn, N.Y.
Workforce
New Senate majority leader ‘excited’ to ‘dismantle federal bureaucracy’
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., also said that he is open to allowing recess appointments, which could let Trump bypass the Senate for certain nominees.
Oversight
Oversight of contract security guards at federal buildings is lacking, OIG says
In one notable example from a recent report, a guard at a federal facility told a visitor to place their firearm in a bush to access the building.
Updated
Management
Which of Trump's nominees have been confirmed?
These individuals will hold huge sway in enacting the president's policies toward federal employees.
Pay & Benefits
House passes a bill eliminating tax provisions that harm some federal retirees
Despite solid bipartisan support, the Senate could run out of time to approve the legislation.
Pay & Benefits
Feds find open season 'unpleasant'—but may miss thousands in savings
Federal enrollees have until Dec. 9 to make changes to their health coverage ahead of substantial premium increases.
Workforce