News
Schedule F looms over trust in government summit
New survey data from the Partnership for Public Service shows there is strong bipartisan support among the public for a nonpartisan civil service.
Management
Bird Flu tests are hard to get. So how will we know when to sound the pandemic alarm?
If the government doesn’t prepare to ramp up H5N1 bird flu testing, researchers warn, the United States could be caught off guard again by a pandemic.
Oversight
IRS is reducing its physical footprint but needs a better long-term plan, its IG says
The IRS has reduced its office space by 2 million square feet since fiscal 2018, but the watchdog said it could save millions in real estate costs with additional steps.
Workforce
Court dismisses criminal charges against federal firefighter arrested while conducting official duties
The arrest and subsequent indictment of a federal supervisor doing his job had caused panic within the workforce and has some concerned the damage will be difficult to reverse.
Defense
Move Guardsmen into the Space Force? You'll lose most of them instead
COMMENTARY | Air Force leaders don’t understand why people serve in the National Guard.
Management
White House enlists doctors and hospitals to combat gun violence
Calling gun violence a “public health crisis,” the Biden administration is asking state and local health departments, health systems and hospitals to boost their data collection on emergency room visits for firearm-related injuries.
Management
Court rules for DHS employees alleging their division was disbanded in retaliation to their whistleblowing
The decision sets a new precedent for federal employees that denied promotions -- even if never fully promised -- can amount to retaliation.
Tech
Lawmakers look to restore TSA funding to speed screening tech deployment
The measure is one of three bipartisan proposals rolled out this week that seek to bolster funding for TSA’s deployment of new technologies and to limit invasive pat-downs of travelers.
Workforce
Easing federal marijuana rules: There’s still a long way to go
The Drug Enforcement Administration typically looks at three factors when assessing how strictly to regulate a drug: its medicinal value, potential for abuse relative to other drugs and ability to cause physical addiction.
Workforce
The 'silver tsunami' is here. Is government ready?
About 10,000 Americans are turning 65 every day. As the nation’s aging population continues to climb, states and the federal government are working to get plans in place to care for older adults.
Tech
Proposed federal AI roadmap would fund local election offices
Amid warnings that artificial intelligence could “totally discredit our election systems,” a group of U.S. senators released a sprawling roadmap that includes grant funding to keep elections safe from AI.
Tech
DOJ launches a CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Justice Department.
Pay & Benefits
OPM’s retirement backlog hit an 8-year low last month
Efforts to streamline the processing of departing federal workers’ retirement applications continue to pay dividends, as the inventory of pending claims hit the lowest point since 2016.
Management
State Department’s top ranks need more career staff, senators say
Lawmakers look to promote a more merit-based system for top diplomats.
Oversight
Telework questions pervade recommendation that GSA work on space utilization data
While the amount of office space required by federal agencies has been a longstanding issue, there’s more attention on it due to the increased use of telework since the pandemic.
Workforce
Bush-era national security officials warn against Schedule F
In a letter to congressional committee staff directors, a cadre of former Republican appointees urged lawmakers to pursue a “middle ground” of federal employee accountability that preserves merit systems principles.
Workforce
VA employees warn of stark consequences from hiring restrictions
New memorandum entrusts local VA leaders to make "difficult staffing decisions" as department looks to shed employees.
Pay & Benefits
The State of Civil Service Retirement: CSRS and FERS
How optimistic are you about your retirement? Small steps can help allay your fears of the future.
Defense
DOD CIO resigns to take university post
John Sherman will become dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M.
Oversight