Management
The federal government has a major blind spot in how it evaluates programs
COMMENTARY | Decades of design flaws have left agencies struggling to measure the impact of their major initiatives. It is time to move beyond compliance and build real, durable capacity.
Can a championship run teach us something about government?
COMMENTARY | We spend a lot of time looking for shortcuts, but the most meaningful progress in federal service — like in sports — requires something more durable than a quick win.
Bisignano deflects customer service questions in congressional testimony
The Social Security commissioner frequently tried to shout over Democratic lawmakers during the occasionally raucous hearing.
Why Congress separated immigration funding from oversight
After negotiations over enforcement restrictions collapsed, lawmakers approved $70 billion, funding that will give the Trump administration resources to continue its immigration crackdown through nearly the end of the president's second term.
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.
GAO warns detention camp failures could become a blueprint for billions in new spending
The watchdog found contracting missteps, health lapses and oversight breakdowns at a Texas immigration facility, raising concerns as the federal government moves ahead with a far larger detention expansion.
Practical steps agencies can take to mitigate financial disclosure controversies
COMMENTARY | Decentralized handling of supplemental forms like travel reimbursements and widely attended gatherings can create ethical blind spots that bad actors can exploit.
What makes an effective intelligence chief? A former DNI official points to the answer
COMMENTARY | As scrutiny grows around President Trump’s pick to lead the intelligence community, a former National Intelligence Council chair explains the less visible responsibilities that come with the job.
VA CIO nominee vows to create program management office
Gary Shatswell, President Donald Trump’s pick to helm VA’s IT operations, told lawmakers creating the office is “one of the first tasks that I will be going after” if confirmed to the role.
GOP advances $70B immigration enforcement funding bill without new limits on ICE operations
The Senate moved the package forward after bipartisan talks over immigration enforcement restrictions collapsed, clearing the way for House consideration of the funding measure.
EPA’s research efforts are swayed by administration priorities, official says
The Environmental Protection Agency’s formerly independent research office was replaced last year by a new unit housed within the agency’s Office of the Administrator.
Featured eBooks
Trump moves to lock in Blanche at DOJ as confirmation fight takes shape
The acting attorney general’s record, from internal settlements to handling of sensitive disclosures, is setting up a broader test of Senate GOP unity and Democratic opposition.
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.
Breaking News
Trump appoints housing official to be acting director of national intelligence
The selection is unconventional for the nation’s lead intelligence official, a role tasked with managing 18 distinct agencies like the CIA and NSA.
OPM's subtle shifts could redefine federal HR
COMMENTARY | A longtime federal HR chief welcomes the Office of Personnel Management's push to modernize pay and promotions, but warns against the legal tactic the agency is using to make it happen.
Federal reform efforts keep repeating the same pattern. Tennessee offers a different model
COMMENTARY | A federal Pay Agent report and Tennessee’s civil service overhaul highlight a familiar problem: reform depends less on policy design than on management capacity and execution.
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.
Disability advocates sue over website accessibility delays
The National Federation of the Blind sued the departments of Justice and Health and Human Services after a rule requiring government websites to be accessible was delayed for a year.
Beekeepers are losing a key USDA backstop at the worst possible time
As colony losses mount and pollinator research faces broader cuts, the planned closure of the Beltsville Bee Research Lab threatens a critical line of support for the nation’s food system.
Congress must tie any USPS bailout to real reform
COMMENTARY | Before Congress delivers any financial relief, it should demand enforceable guardrails on service, prices and oversight.
