Management
Lack of timeframes and follow-ups led Social Security to delay some priority disability applications
An inspector general’s audit found that while the agency identified and processed 96% of the priority cases reviewed, a slice of applications slipped past monitoring, leading to longer wait times.
Tech
VA launches a new platform to help veterans identify and report scams
Scammers have increasingly targeted veterans and their beneficiaries, particularly after the PACT Act expanded benefits and health services for retired service members.
Management
Leaked Project 2025 training videos warn aspiring political appointees of ‘persecution’ by career feds
Though the videos don’t overtly discuss the Trump campaign or the Heritage Foundation-led transition project’s endorsement of Schedule F, conservatives repeatedly stressed the need for more “political control” of agencies.
Management
EEOC workers could be furloughed for one day due to budget shortfall
No additional funding and a high pay increase for federal employees helped create the agency’s financial conundrum.
Pay & Benefits
Soon feds may be able to file health insurance claims online
A new Biden administration initiative to crack down on “unnecessary headaches” for consumers will include plans for employees on the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Postal Service Health Benefits plans to submit out-of-network claims online, alongside other updates.
Defense
More than 1 million veterans receiving benefits via PACT Act ahead of anniversary
Since the law – known as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act or the PACT Act – took effect nearly two years ago, the VA says that 739,421 veterans have enrolled in its health care programs.
Defense
Former NSA chief wants academia to play larger role in national security
Paul Nakasone is pushing for new initiatives to bolster national security research and workforce recruitment. It begins with a new institute at Vanderbilt University next month.
Management
The Good Government Agenda for 2025 and beyond
COMMENTARY | A good presidential Management Agenda is, well, good. But a Good Government Agenda might be better.
News
Congress aims to boost enforcement at the border – with Canada
New Senate legislation aims to hire more U.S. Border Patrol agents to help monitor understaffed areas on the Canadian border.
Workforce
What should agencies consider for their remote work plans?
A new memo from OPM Acting Director Robert Shriver details specific factors agency leaders should consider when designing their remote work strategy for the federal workforce.
Management
GSA updates standards to advance green federal buildings
The Biden administration wants federal buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
Workforce
The importance of inclusivity in government agencies
COMMENTARY | Through small, thoughtful changes in practices, the federal government can create more welcoming environments for all individuals to improve public trust, engagement, and overall performance.
Oversight
Whistleblower hearing spotlights Coast Guard handling of sexual misconduct
Congressional investigations into sexual assault and harassment in the military branch began after a media report found the Coast Guard Academy covered up misconduct.
Defense
DARPA hires Twitter whistleblower to serve as its CIO
Peiter “Mudge” Zatko — the former security head of then-Twitter who alleged that the platform was overlooking critical security flaws — will be returning to DARPA after almost a decade away in the private sector.
News
Walz’s U.S. House tenure: Bipartisan bills and a focus on vets and farms
The Democratic running mate has an extensive record on Capitol Hill as an effective lawmaker who was largely bipartisan.
Pay & Benefits
Managing your Social Security benefits
Wondering when you should start receiving your Social Security benefits, how much it might be and if the Social Security trust fund will run out of money? We answer those questions, and more.
Oversight
Nonprofit urges the White House to fill vacant watchdog roles
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington penned a letter to President Biden Wednesday calling for the appointment of 14 inspectors general to fill roles at agencies such as the General Services Administration and Social Security Administration.
Oversight
Senators ask Social Security for info on AI work
Though the Social Security Administration has been using artificial intelligence tools in some form for two decades, the lawmakers stressed the need to engage the public as it explores new technologies like generative AI.
News
Congress limps toward the end of a disappointing session, with just 78 laws to show
A divided Congress has shepherded fewer bills to the president this session, often fostering little consensus in 2024, and things don't look to improve during election season.
Management