Pay & Benefits

Medicare Part D may benefit most federal annuitants next year

COMMENTARY | Not only are there more options to choose from, but there are also benefit changes that may make Part D more convenient and a better value, according to Kevin Moss of Consumers’ Checkbook.

Oversight

Senator wants info on inspectors general office sexual harassment settlements

Grassley wrote that whistleblowers informed his office that the financial agreements required complainants to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Management

Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best

The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.

Oversight

FEMA chief calls passing over of Trump supporters isolated incident, requests wider probe

One FEMA supervisor has been fired for directing staff to skip Trump-supporting homes, but administrator says there is so far no evidence of a more widespread issue.

Management

Here’s what we know about the investigations into Matt Gaetz

Trump’s nominee for attorney general has been investigated by the House Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice. He has denied wrongdoing.

Tech

Hackers nabbed emails between congressional staff and the Library of Congress 

Affected staff were notified Friday afternoon, according to an internal email. Capitol Hill communications with the Congressional Research Service frequently involve confidential legislative drafts or policies still in the brainstorming stage.

Pay & Benefits

Feds in 2024 made almost a quarter less than their private sector peers

The Federal Salary Council, which reported the disparity, also recommended creating new locality pay areas in Kennewick-Richland-Walla Walla, Wash., and Syracuse-Auburn, N.Y.

Management

O'Malley to step down as SSA chief this month, seeks political role

Martin O'Malley won plaudits for reinvigorating a resource-starved SSA, but will leave his post early.

Workforce

Trump’s ‘DOGE’ commission promises mass federal layoffs, ending telework

The incoming administration will handle large-scale RIFs with compassion, Vivek Ramaswamy says.

Management

USDS looks for a new deputy as the Trump administration approaches 

Mina Hsiang, current administrator of the U.S. Digital Service, is expected to leave before the Trump administration takes the helm.

Tech

Lawmaker looks to improve SBA’s IT modernization after critical GAO review

A proposal from Rep. Nydia Velázquez would require that the Small Business Administration “establish and implement policies and procedures to govern information technology modernization projects.”

Management

As Trump names VA pick, firing and privatization come back into the spotlight

Trump's choice is already highlighting some of the most controversial VA priorities from the president-elect's first term.

Workforce

New Senate majority leader ‘excited’ to ‘dismantle federal bureaucracy’

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., also said that he is open to allowing recess appointments, which could let Trump bypass the Senate for certain nominees.

Management

Trusted Workforce 2.0: Moving the chains to phase three in federal vetting reform

COMMENTARY | “It's no longer just about strategy—it's about execution,” writes one expert.

Tech

How the federal CIO is prepping for the presidential transition

Cybersecurity, customer experience and effective transition efforts have been top-of-mind for Clare Matorana in the last days of the Biden administration.

Tech

DHS releases guidance for AI in critical infrastructure

The Homeland Security Department worked with its diverse AI Safety and Security Board to develop a holistic approach for securing critical infrastructure that leverages AI technologies.

Management

USPS loses $9.5B in FY24 and says another red year is coming

Postal management remains committed to DeJoy's reforms, saying it is showing positive signs.

Management

CISA Director Jen Easterly to depart on Inauguration Day

Easterly and Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan are set to leave as an administration change casts doubt on the agency’s future. 

Pay & Benefits

Retirement decisions that can't be reversed

Here are the retirement decisions that require careful consideration since they cannot be changed.