Oversight
White House takes a crack at much-needed permitting reform
A new rule is the latest push by the Biden administration to address regulatory obstacles to developing clean energy.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP funds continued their upward trend in July
Only one of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program ended last month in the red.
Management
Responsible AI use in support of federal agency missions
COMMENTARY︱The potential benefits of artificial intelligence for federal agencies are not a new conversation, but how to implement the technology so officials can achieve the gains they are looking for is worth taking time with.
Defense
Biden to reverse Trump decision to move Space Command to Alabama
The decision to keep the command at its current home in Colorado will surely enrage Alabama politicians.
Pay & Benefits
A basic flaw in the federal pay system
COMMENTARY | The system wasn’t designed to be competitive with the private sector, and that’s a problem in today’s job market.
Oversight
Is Congress on a witch hunt? 5 ways to judge whether oversight hearings are legitimate or politicized
Both Democrats and Republicans have consistently maintained that holding institutions accountable via rigorous oversight is among the most important functions of the legislature, but investigative work can be influenced by partisan considerations.
Workforce
Biden administration to spend $100M-plus to restore jobs or offer payments to employees improperly fired
The settlement agreement resolves an issue that arose during the Trump administration.
Defense
Military nominees still stalled by Tuberville hold, with Senate gone until September
Vacancies raise concerns about military readiness.
Workforce
What the United States can learn from Australia’s recent catastrophic failure to listen to career government experts
COMMENTARY | A hastily launched 2016 program to reduce overpayment of government benefits was plagued by “unfairness, probable illegality and cruelty,” an Australian commission later found.
Management
Trump faces additional charges – 4 essential reads to understand the case against him for hoarding classified documents
A selection of articles from experts with background to put the newly filed charges in context.
Management
House spending bill for the VA renews fight over abortion access, transgender care
Legislation would bar Biden administration from closing Guantánamo Bay detention facility in Cuba.
Oversight
Biden border policies ripped by House GOP as threats to impeach the Homeland Security secretary ramp up
House Republicans hold multiple hearings about immigration at Southern border as part of broader strategy to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas.
Management
Biden grapples with the federal government’s role in a future fraught with extreme heat
Heat is a leading killer, but FEMA has not deployed for it as it has for floods and fires.
Tech
IRS seeks states’ input on its direct file pilot
States have until Sept. 4 to tell the IRS if they’re interested in participating.
Defense
Pentagon’s termination of MyTravel program receives bipartisan criticism
The Pentagon’s reasons for reverting back to its legacy Defense Travel System after seven months “don’t add up,” according to Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.
Management
How can senior government leaders best leverage the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey?
COMMENTARY | A lower-than-average employee engagement score may tempt leadership to implement new activities intended to make employees feel happier at work. They should resist this temptation, says one federal executive coach.
Pay & Benefits
When you need to get the most out of your benefits: part two
The second in a series about dealing with serious situations.
Workforce
TSA employees are finally earning similar wages to most other federal workers
Officials on Thursday celebrated the arrival of an up-to-30% pay raise for Transportation Security Administration employees this week, but warned that House spending plans could derail recent progress.
Management
DHS inspector general pays $1.2M settlement to former deputy
Joseph Cuffari has faced widespread allegations of misconduct, though he denies any wrongdoing.
Management