Pay & Benefits
A Senator Is Once Again Trying to Keep TSP Investments Out of China
The TSP Fiduciary Security Act would require the agency that administers the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program to consider national security issues as part of its decision-making process.
Workforce
Biden’s New Policy to Protect Federal Scientists May Lack Teeth to Prevent Retaliation
The federal science community is concerned that the Biden administration is "blowing it" in its efforts to shield employees from undue influence and political retribution.
Oversight
Biden’s Plan for Ending the Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 Signals a Pivotal Point in the Pandemic—4 Questions Answered
President Joe Biden’s intention to end the national COVID-19 emergency will have long-lasting ripple effects on federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Management
IRS Sends Black Taxpayers at Least 2.9X More Audit Notices
Researchers demonstrate how the IRS could tweak its secret algorithm to reduce the audit disparity facing Black taxpayers.
Workforce
OPM Deputy Touts Agency’s Newly Proactive Stance on Labor Issues
Rob Shriver says recent efforts by officials to mediate labor-management disputes is part of the Office of Personnel Management’s transformation into being the government’s leader on human capital issues.
Workforce
The TSP Transition is Still Giving Users Some Problems
Abraham Grungold joins the podcast to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of the new recordkeeper.
Nextgov
White House OSTP Deputy Director to Step Down
Alondra Nelson will leave her White House post on Feb. 10.
Management
Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Unload or Upgrade Federal Property
Excess federal space could be leased to solar companies or universities, lawmakers say.
Management
Louis DeJoy Laments the Existence of USPS' Regulator
The postmaster general jokes he would be better off without the regulatory commission, which exists to protect Americans from the Postal Service's monopoly.
Oversight
Congressional Black Caucus Meets with Biden to Push for Police Accountability
Last year, at least 1,192 people were killed by law enforcement officers in the U.S., and 26% were Black people despite making up more than 13% of U.S. population
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: The Emergencies Declared Due to COVID-19 Will be Ending
There’s a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Tougher Cybersecurity Rules May Be More than a Year Away—But Don’t Wait to Get Ready
Contractors should prepare for independent checks on their data systems, and maybe more reporting requirements as well.
Oversight
U.S. House Agrees on Something: Lawmakers Condemn ‘The Horrors of Socialism’
However, Democrats rebuked majority Republicans for spending time on “political stunt” and refusing to allow debate on Social Security, Medicare amendment
Defense
New Pentagon Rules Keep Many Military Court Records Secret
Despite a 2016 law requiring transparency, the Defense Department is limiting public access to court records in the military justice system. A recent ProPublica lawsuit appears to have spurred the new Pentagon guidance.
Workforce
Building a Work Culture Where Everyone Can Succeed
Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin joins the podcast to discuss how everyone can take control of their work situations and improve their organization's culture.
Pay & Benefits
Waiting For That First Retirement Check
A primer on processing, payments and patience for those looking forward to getting their benefits.
Pay & Benefits
Biden Instructs Agencies to Expand Some Forms of Paid, Unpaid Leave for Feds
A memo to agency heads urges them to support federal workers who need to take paid or unpaid leave for a family matter or to escape from domestic violence and other dangerous situations.
Management
Lawmakers Want the Head of the National Drug Policy Office Back in the Cabinet
A group of bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers is making this push ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union speech next week.
Workforce
Report: 14% of Young Adults Want to Work for Government
Young adults preferred businesses of any size to government or nonprofit work.
Oversight