Oversight
Afghanistan Watchdog: The Information Flow from Agencies Is Improving, But Could Still Be Better
Three federal agencies maintain they are being responsive to the watchdog.
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.
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: Senate Votes to Declassify Information on COVID Origins, the White House Won’t Say if Biden Supports the Bill
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
Commission Looks for Ways to Speed Up Pentagon Budget Process to Keep Pace With China
The goal of the review is to adapt a decades-old way of doing things for the modern era.
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.
Pay & Benefits
There’s No Turning Back From Some Retirement Choices
Certain benefits decisions are irrevocable.
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.
Nextgov
New National Cyber Strategy Asks 'More' from Industry and Government
The new National Cyber Security Strategy focuses on more international partnerships, enhanced baseline regulations and stronger cyberthreat policing.
Oversight
President Biden Issues a Sweeping Anti-COVID Fraud Proposal
One piece would be to give law enforcement and oversight agencies more time and resources to go after fraudsters.
Management
Biden Promises the 'Heroes' at the Homeland Security Dept. More Resources in the Upcoming Budget
The president addressed the department's workforce on its 20th anniversary.
Workforce
DeSantis Endorses Schedule F Ahead of Possible Presidential Run
The Florida governor, widely expected to run for president in 2024, called for “cleaning out” science agencies like the CDC, NIH and FDA.
Tech