Special Report Workforce

Biden Promised to Revive a ‘Hollowed Out’ Federal Workforce. Has He Delivered?

A look at where the administration has overcome Trump-era downsizing, and how it hopes to drag lagging agencies into meeting its agenda.

Workforce

To Expand Your TSP Investments, Think of the I Fund

Lee Radcliffe joins the podcast to discuss an overlooked part of the Thrift Savings Plan

Management

Why the White House’s Environmental Justice Tool Is Still Disappointing Advocates

New changes “ended up making the program less focused on people of color than it originally was,” one advocate said.

Management

Skills Gaps Within OPM’s Own Workforce Could Make It Less Able to Help Others

The government’s human resources agency has outlined an ambitious agenda to make sure agencies are fully staffed, with the people who have the skills necessary for their jobs.

Management

99% of Women-Owned Businesses Say the Federal Government Hasn’t Done Enough to Support Them, Survey Finds

Women-owned small businesses say they are “not a priority” for the federal government as entrepreneurs continue to share frustration in getting shut out of funding and contracts.

Oversight

In Preview of Debt Limit Fight, House Republicans Target Climate Funds

A House Environment subcommittee voted to claw back $27 billion from President Biden’s climate law, signaling what the GOP may demand in future budget negotiations.

Management

Government Reform Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Changed.

There isn’t much appetite for large-scale governmentwide reforms right now, but there’s still movement at individual agencies. 

Workforce

A Shorter Workweek Isn't Just Desirable, It's Achievable

Kathleen Quinn Votaw joins the podcast to discuss a U.K. four-day workweek study.

Pay & Benefits

Bill to Boost Federal Firefighters’ Retirement Benefits is Back

Rep. Gerry Connolly’s legislation would include mandatory overtime hours in calculations to determine federal firefighters’ pension benefits.

Oversight

Lawmakers Want Watchdogs to Look Into Their Agencies’ Ethics Policies on Stock Ownership

This follows an investigation by The Wall Street Journal that found thousands of federal officials owned and traded stocks of companies that were affected directly by their agencies’ activity.

Oversight

Senate Democrats Back FAA Nominee, Despite GOP Objections at Confirmation Hearing

Committee’s confirmation hearing for Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, came more than seven months after Biden first nominated him

Oversight

Federal, State Officials Weigh Plans to Increase Rail Safety

The Rail Safety Act was mentioned as part of a plan to prevent further disasters in Ohio and nationwide.

Management

ICE, Prison Targeted Immigrants Seeking Medical Care, Complaint Says

The complain alleges that staff at two facilities in Nevada have engaged in retaliatory transfers and medical abuse, including refusing to treat “a severe case of trench foot" for one detainee.

Defense

Why Combat Veterans Are Turning to Oxygen Therapy for PTSD

The unapproved and, to some, unproven treatment is attracting many PTSD patients for whom other treatments have failed.

Workforce

The 'People Who Make Government Go' Are Affected by the Vacancies Act

Employment attorney Dan Meyer joins the podcast to discuss acting leadership at agencies and how it affects policy.