Oversight
U.S. Plans New Safety Rules to Crack Down on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Portable Generators
The announcement comes two months after an investigation by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News detailed the deadly cost of the government’s failure to regulate portable generators.
Management
Four Black Women Became Classmates, Roommates and Lifelong Sisters. One of Them Is Now a Historic Nominee for the Supreme Court.
Errin Haines spoke to longtime friends of Ketanji Brown Jackson as she is poised to break a new barrier.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Building a Bridge Between Researchers and Policymakers
Dr. Donald Kettl joins the podcast to discuss how the Biden administration can better bridge the gap toward greater mission success.
Employee Policy
Report: Less telework ahead for feds
A media report this week cites multiple official sources that indicate high levels of telework seen since the dawn of the COVID pandemic are likely to be curtailed relatively quickly in the coming months at many federal agencies. The intensifying moves come as a White House push, with hospitalizations and deaths beginning to trend downward, particularly among vaccinated persons.
Tech
Ukraine Conflict Brings Cybersecurity Risks to U.S. Homes, Businesses
Russia’s cyberattack capabilities can be applied to U.S. targets, including regular Americans’ homes and businesses.
Workforce
Lawmakers Eye Rolling Back Controversial VA Workforce Law, As the Department and Union Begin Negotiations
A bipartisan bill would effectively take two portions of the 2017 VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act that were nullified by federal courts off the books.
Management
Congress Has Approved a Measure to Push More FDA and NIH Funds to Their Private Sector Foundations
Lawmakers say the legislation, soon to be signed into law by President Biden, will help bridge gaps between the federal and private sectors to address current and future health crises.
Nextgov
Despite U.S.-Russia Tensions, the First All-Commercial Flight to ISS is Still On
An initial launch is set for late March, officials confirmed.
Oversight
The Park Police’s ‘Dilapidated’ D.C. Dispatch Office Puts Safety at Risk, an IG Says
Holes in the roof allowing water and bird droppings through and possible black mold are among the issues, as well as problems with staffing and training.
Employee Policy
Biden’s SCOTUS pick comes with experience on fed employee issues
Ketanji Brown Jackson—currently a key federal appeals court judge and Biden’s pick to fill a looming Supreme Court vacancy—overturned three Trump administration EOs that had made it easier to fire feds and squeeze union bargaining rights.
Management
Biden’s Latest Border Moves Spur Criticism that He’s Continuing Wall Construction
The administration says it’s filling in wall gaps for agent safety and flood control, and documents suggest an environmental assessment for 86 miles of wall in South Texas is a stalling tactic.
Management
The House Oversight Committee Continues Its Probe Into Trump Records
A House committee is asking for more information about records from the Trump administration. One area of focus is missing social media records.
Defense
Can Ukraine Really Use Donated Fighter Jets? That Depends
After EU says it will send some aircraft to Ukraine, a retired U.S. fighter chief explains how that might work.
Defense
What Just Happened With Putin’s Nuclear Forces? Here’s What Experts Say
Whatever it is, U.S. officials are calling it escalatory–but not “high alert.”
Tech
GovExec Daily: Broadband, Telework and Infrastructure
Cisco's Jeffrey Campbell joins the podcast to discuss how public-private partnerships can help the Biden administration expand internet access.
Management
State Dept. Nominees Can Move Forward, Now That a GOP Senator Has Lifted His Holds
Sen. Ted Cruz is allowing the process to move forward now that Biden has reinstated sanctions on the company in charge of the natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany.
Defense
Putin Puts Nuke Forces on Higher Alert; Zelensky Agrees to Peace Talks
Ukrainian leader to meet Russian negotiators at Belarusan border as invasion enters 5th day.
Management
Cost Overruns and Delays for OPM's Trust Fund Modernization
OPM is working to modernize the legacy financial system that manages retirement, health benefits and life insurance programs, but it's behind schedule and over budget.
Nextgov
Record-Breaking NASA Astronaut to Return to Earth on Russian Spacecraft in March
Space historians reflected on the nations’ long-standing space ties.
Workforce