Oversight
A Watchdog Has Found the Trump Administration Handled Some Ukraine Funds Lawfully
This is “distinguishable” from the 2020 ruling in which the watchdog determined the Trump administration did violate the law with other aid spending, GAO said.
Management
Democrats Want an Overhaul of the Debt Ceiling to Avoid Future Crises
The possibility of default has threatened disruptions to federal operations, including furloughs for civil servants.
Oversight
Rooting out Fraud in Government Programs
Machine-learning helps spot fraud, waste and abuse because it can not only automatically check massive amounts of data for signs of sketchy activity but also improve over time.
Tech
Agencies Need to Measure Improvements to Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Report Says
Federal agencies tasked with critical infrastructure risk management aren't measuring improvements made by the adoption of new guidelines, according to a watchdog report.
Tech
Agencies Shouldn't Use Facial Recognition for ID Verification, Groups Say
More than 45 organizations signed onto a letter asking government agencies to stop their use of ID.me or any facial recognition for identity verification, and Senate Democrats are also still asking questions.
Management
Air Quality in Your Home May Be Worse Than in Your Office
New research highlights the importance of improving air quality in homes for employees who continue to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Management
The Biden Administration Can Seize a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Advance Equity. Here’s How.
The administration must reset its relationship with people who lack access to federal services.
Management
GovExec Daily: Fauci's 'All-of-Government' Pandemic Approach
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the President and NIAID chief, joins Courtney Bublé on the podcast to discuss prep for the next crisis.
Oversight
Biden Can do More to Protect Inspectors General, Says Former Watchdog Fired by Trump
Guidance issued by the Biden administration was “important,” but an executive order could also help preserve IG independence, said Michael Atkinson.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Urge the Labor Dept. to Expedite Workers Compensation Claims from Federal Firefighters
A bipartisan group of senators said federal wildland firefighters struggle to get medical treatments for work-related injuries paid for by the government.
Management
Republicans Are Slowing Down the Passage of a Stopgap Spending Bill Again, as a Shutdown Draws Closer
For now, leaders are optimistic concerns over vaccine mandates and crack pipes will not derail the continuing resolution's passage.
Management
The FDA Finally Has a Permanent Leader, After More Than a Year
The Senate voted 50-46 to confirm Dr. Robert Califf.
Defense
Marines and Sailors Are Being Given More Time With Their Newborns
An extra week of leave for “secondary caregivers” may lead to a 3-month leave policy.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Trump COVID Official Pens a Memoir; Republicans Attempt to Force a Vote on Vaccine Mandates Before Government Funding
Today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Russian Statements Draw ‘Cautious Optimism,’ But Troops Aren’t Leaving Yet, NATO Says
Stoltenberg hails “signs from Moscow that diplomacy should continue” but says there’s no sign of de-escalation so far.
Tech
Your Sense of Privacy Evolved Over Millennia – that Puts You at Risk Today but Could Improve Technology Tomorrow
You have a finely honed sense of privacy in the physical world. But the sights and sounds you encounter online don’t help you detect risks and can even lull you into a false sense of security.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Securing FEMA Networks
Dr. Gregory Edwards, FEMA’s Chief Information Security Officer, joins the podcast to discuss innovation and technology at his agency.
Management
The Landmark Postal Reform Bill Hit an Unexpected Snag
One senator temporarily derailed plans to quickly pass the bill, but lawmakers vow to get it over the finish line eventually.
Oversight