Route Fifty
FCC Renews Effort to Block Robocalls to 911 Call Centers
Under a proposed rule, voice service providers would cross reference autodialed calls with numbers on the do not call list to block any robocalls to emergency lines.
Oversight
Lawmaker Urges Watchdogs to Review Special Immigrant Visa Process for Afghans
The process has been scrutinized in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover and U.S. withdrawal.
Workforce
Transportation Dept. Furloughs Thousands of Workers After Highway Funds Expire
Some Transportation components can no longer carry out "core functions."
Nextgov
DOD Now Continuously Monitoring Clearance Holders’ Credit and Criminal Records
The long-awaited change to the background investigations process will flag concerning information for further investigation.
Exclusive
Nextgov
OMB's Made in America Website Showcases What Agencies Aren’t Buying Here
The site showcases all waivers reviewed by the Made in America Office, allowing U.S. businesses to identify opportunities that might otherwise go to foreign competitors.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Portfolios Fall for First Time Since January
After an extended period of steady growth, nearly every fund in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program ended September in the red.
Workforce
Biden Administration Outlines Process for Disciplining, Removing Unvaccinated Feds
Refusal to comply with the president’s vaccine mandate will be treated as violating “a lawful order,” according to guidance from the White House Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce and OPM.
Management
Human Capital Execs Are ‘Resigned’ to Operating Around a Failed HR System
Looking to the future, the GS system will be a barrier to rebuilding a federal workforce with essential expertise.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The Shutdown Was Averted… For Now
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss the continuing resolution and debt ceiling negotiations.
Management
Lawmakers Introduce Smattering of Bills to Avoid Future Shutdowns
The last-minute action to keep federal agencies open past Sept. 30 has spurred a flurry of legislation aimed at automatically funding federal programs in the face of congressional inaction.
Nextgov
FCC Working on Rule for Wireless Carriers to Avert SIM Swap Fraud
More than a year after lawmakers requested such action to protect consumer data and national security, the commission’s move could help to stop hackers undermining multifactor authentication.
Defense
The Forever War is Over. Its 2001 Authorization Lives On.
Pentagon says “over the horizon” strikes in Afghanistan will be conducted under the AUMF passed two decades ago.
Pay & Benefits
The New Health Insurance Rates Can Only Mean One Thing
Open season is around the corner.
Management
Biden Signs Shutdown-Averting Stopgap Spending Bill
Lawmakers have punted the shutdown threat for nine weeks, but a potential debt default looms.
Nextgov
White House Announces 7 TMF Awards with Big Focus on Zero Trust
Half of the awards announced publicly went to zero trust cybersecurity projects, with no funding going directly to pandemic response tech. One project remains classified.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Insight on the Contractor Vaccine Mandate; Health Officials Divided on Boosters
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Defense Business Board Relaunches After Pentagon Review
Former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James named chair of the diverse advisory board.
Management
The Pandemic Has People Stuck in a Bad Mental/Physical Loop
The pandemic has created a cyclical problem by harming mental health while also making it more difficult for people to maintain physical activity.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What Feds Need to Know About a Potential Shutdown
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss pay and benefits in case a funding lapse occurs.
Route Fifty