Management
FEMA is being sued for making flood insurance too expensive—and too cheap
The price isn't right, according to two lawsuits against the federal agency. The suits, one of which was brought by Louisiana and Republican state AGs, claim that high insurance rates could put residents at risk of economic ruin, but low rates do little to stop developments on at-risk land.
Management
Democrats fear cyberattacks as government shutdown looms
Lawmakers are expressing concerns that the shutdown could radically hinder the work of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in responding to major ransomware incidents and other digital intrusions.
Management
Agencies ramp up shutdown prep as Congress hurtles toward deadline
The White House has kicked off official shutdown planning efforts.
Management
OIG: Interior Department backdated discrimination determinations and applied incorrect standards
Officials at the department’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights backdated discrimination decisions for up to 15 days prior to their issuance and erroneously ruled in five cases, according to a new report.
Pay & Benefits
Federal workers will pay 7.7% more towards health insurance premiums in 2024
Next year, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program will feature new coverage of anti-obesity medication, as well as expanded access to mental health, assistive reproductive technology and gender-affirming care.
Defense
Shutdown would be 'extremely disruptive' to defense production, workforce, acquisition chief says
“Can you imagine if the Chinese had something like this, where their government would shut down every few years?” Bill LaPlante said Tuesday.
Oversight
What I learned covering government for 34 years
The privilege of reporting on the stuff that really matters.
Pay & Benefits
Long term care insurance: Sharp hike in premiums for feds means enrollees face tough choices
Experts say although long term care is in the cards for most older Americans, an upcoming spike in LTC insurance premiums for feds who are enrolled is just part of a pattern that will remain unbroken until Congress and policymakers act on the neglected—but vital—broader issue of long term care and accompanying costs that will affect a majority of federal families. The program remains closed to new applicants.
Management
A government shutdown is a catalyst event that can increase the possibility of insider threat incidents
COMMENTARY | As another government shutdown looms it’s a reminder that risks happen when you’re least prepared, writes one observer.
Oversight
New bill would beef up accessibility reporting requirements for agencies
Agency and department heads would be required to appoint “Section 508 compliance officers” to ensure they meet accessibility mandates.
Management
5 longest government shutdowns in U.S. history
The 2025 budget dispute is now the longest of the impasses that have left lasting impressions on the history of the federal government.
Management
Senate to advance short-term funding measure as shutdown deadline nears
But the House is continuing to pursue deep cuts to spending that stand no chance across Capitol Hill or in the White House.
Tech
Should a federal agency govern artificial intelligence?
A new survey finds that a majority of computer science experts at top U.S. research universities want to see the creation of a new federal agency or global organization to govern artificial intelligence.
Management
What does it take to end a government shutdown?
The end of past budget impasses have often played out as calculations of policy goals versus the political pain needed to achieve them, but when the goal is unclear how do you know who wins?
Pay & Benefits
Odds of a fix for impending wildland firefighter ‘pay cliff’ improve, but complications remain
Union officials say they’ve received assurances from leadership in both the House and Senate that Congress will work to avert massive pay cuts that could kick in next month.
Workforce
Science group threatens lawsuit over OPM’s failure to implement limiting involuntary leave for feds accused of misconduct
Although Congress passed a law aimed at preventing federal workers accused of misconduct from being stuck in limbo in 2016, the federal government’s HR agency never issued regulations to implement the measure.
Management
Federal CIO touts '10-year-plan' to build a truly digital federal government
The long-awaited guidance to support the implementation of the IDEA Act tasks agencies with ramping up their digital offerings while mandating consistent brand and design standards across the federal government.
Workforce
OIG: Tech demand remains a talent challenge for the federal home loan agencies, but telework can help
A report spotlighting the potential risks of recruiting and retaining talent at the agencies overseeing federal home loans shows tight competition for tech talent.
Management
The government management paradox
COMMENTARY | Change is hard, but agencies can significantly improve their operational performance to deliver on highly complex programs.
Workforce