Management
91% of VA Health Care Workers Submitted COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Data
“The goal of the disciplinary process is not to fire people,” but rather “get people vaccinated,” said the VA secretary.
Workforce
Federal Judge Declines to Block Vaccine Mandate for Feds
Judge says the challenge is both premature and unlikely to supersede the public interest in ending the pandemic.
Nextgov
DHS Researching Public Perception of Facial Recognition and AI Use
The Department of Homeland Security is collecting privacy concerns as critics fight to ban facial recognition outright.
Oversight
13 Trump Officials Found to Have Violated the Hatch Act Ahead of 2020 Election
The Trump administration had a “willful disregard” for the law, Office of Special Counsel says.
Workforce
Social Security Employees Slated to Return to Offices in January
Restrictions on telework and confusing vaccine rules for visitors to SSA offices rankle union officials, who have demanded to bargain over employees’ reentry to their traditional worksites.
Route Fifty
The Cost for States to Expand Free Pre-K Under the Biden Plan
The Build Back Better proposal provides money for free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. States are required to contribute a percentage and will likely incur costs for workforce development, pay increases and adjusting elementary school curriculum.
Defense
‘Our Job Is Not Done’: How Women Veterans in Congress Continue to Help Afghan Refugees
These policymakers are pressing the Biden administration to protect Afghan refugees, specifically women and children.
Nextgov
Critical Update: Veterans Affairs Applies Mixed Reality Tech to Solve Real-World Health Issues
Department officials are exploring virtual worlds and using artificial intelligence to transform medical treatments.
Defense
Veterans Day: How Crosses and Mementos Help These Marines Remember Fallen Comrades
For some military members, a hillside in California embodies the sacrifices of serving.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Report Finds GSA Failed to Remove Hazardous Materials from Facility For Years
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss an OSC documenting a whistleblower’s allegations.
Management
Labor Department Works to Rescind ‘Problematic’ Contractor Rule
The Trump-era rule clarified religious protections for federal contractors, which many critics argued would allow for discrimination.
Tech
Is COVID-19 Here to Stay? A Team of Biologists Explains What It Means for a Virus to Become Endemic
Some viruses go extinct, while others stick around. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems likely to remain with us for the long term.
Nextgov
White House Highlights Cybersecurity Benefit in Infrastructure Package
Along with more than $1 trillion in funding, the House-passed bill moves to the president’s desk with new authorities for relevant agencies and officials.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Court Temporarily Blocks OSHA Vaccine Rule, Defense Ships Vaccines for Military Children Overseas
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Plan to Draft Women is Uniting Unlikely Political Allies
Anti-war activists and conservative hawks both want women to stay out of the Selective Service System.
Oversight
These Billionaires Received Taxpayer-Funded Stimulus Checks During the Pandemic
IRS records reveal that 18 billionaires and some 250 other ultrawealthy people received aid intended to help middle-class Americans.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What if Feds Just Refuse to Get Vaccinated?
Employment attorney Stephanie Rapp-Tully joins the podcast to discuss discipline and next steps.
Route Fifty
State and Local Push on Infrastructure Finally Pays Off
Congress’ approval of a roughly $1 trillion public works package marks a milestone for cities, states and counties that have pressed for years to get federal infrastructure spending boosted.
Route Fifty
House Passes ‘Long Overdue’ Infrastructure Package
President Biden and local government leaders hailed Congress’ approval of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which will provide funding for roads, bridges, transit, broadband and water projects across the country.
Management