Workforce
Embracing authenticity: A call to action for federal employees for Pride Month and Juneteenth
COMMENTARY | “Being authentic isn’t just ‘speaking your truth,’ it also means paying attention to the comfort level of others and respecting our own boundaries,” writes one long-time federal employee.
Oversight
NSF’s ongoing major infrastructure project delays due to personnel, supply challenges, report says
Staffing challenges were partially at the root of delays for two of the agency’s construction facilities projects costing more than $100 million.
Management
Staffing, funding shortages forced DHS to release hundreds of ‘inadmissible’ international travelers
In many cases, those travelers never faced efforts to subsequently remove them from the country.
Tech
Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion
The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.
Oversight
Divide and conquer improper payments
COMMENTARY| Fraud prevention and detection require a different level of focus, argues one former federal CFO.
Workforce
Burnout among government workers is decreasing but still high, according to new pulse survey data
Leader of the consulting firm that sponsored the poll says the burnout rate could cause public employees to leave their jobs.
Management
In spending bill, House Republicans are ‘deeply concerned’ with DeJoy’s USPS reform plans
While typically sympathetic to the postmaster general, Republicans are suggesting he chart a different course.
Pay & Benefits
Feds are still slated for a 2% average pay raise in 2025 per House appropriations bill
The House Appropriations Committee advanced legislation Thursday that failed to override President Biden’s 2025 pay plan.
Tech
Feds saw more cyberattacks but better detection last year, FISMA report says
11 major incidents were reported by agencies in FY2023.
Tech
What it will take to make Direct File permanent
The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.
Workforce
Republicans block expanded in vitro fertilization coverage for feds in House and Senate
Senate Democrats failed to secure the 60 votes needed to bypass a GOP filibuster, while House Democrats saw a similar provision defanged in appropriations talks.
Oversight
DHS needs to improve how it collects employee hiring and vetting data, GAO reports
The watchdog’s analysis found that the department did not meet its average hiring time targets in fiscal 2022 for nine out of 13 priority positions.
Pay & Benefits
Your pre-retirement questions answered, part 1
The first in a series tackling your pressing questions.
Workforce
Republicans look to 'dismantle' DEI efforts at federal agencies
New bill would strike down President Biden's diversity efforts and create strict rules preventing such initiatives.
Management
Feds invest $60M to boost local climate resilience and workforce development
The Climate-Ready Workforce initiative looks to place individuals in good-paying jobs that help advance coastal communities’ climate resilience.
Oversight
Coast Guard's handling of misconduct allegations draws increased scrutiny from Congress
Congressional inquiries were spurred by a media report that the Coast Guard kept hidden a multi-year investigation into sexual assault at its service academy.
Pay & Benefits
FBI agents say they need more money to stay in the bureau
Agents in high-cost cities say they cannot support their elevated expenses on their current salaries.
Tech
Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement
Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tilis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.
Workforce
Lawmakers unveil a new plan to revamp federal wildfire prevention and mitigation
The Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act would create a new Middle Fire Leaders Academy to rapidly bolster the ranks of federal wildland firefighters.
Workforce