Workforce

National Security compensation set a record high in 2023

COMMENTARY | The uptick in cleared compensation is good news for the national security workforce and also a good thing for national security.

Oversight

Why plugging leaks sometimes means protecting leakers

COMMENTARY | Congress needs to establish a form of amnesty that, where appropriate, provides an exit ramp for individuals who have unwittingly violated the terms of a security clearance and wish to come clean.

Management

Indigenous Pacific wildfire survivors on Maui can finally get FEMA help

The new fiscal 2024 spending bill has re-established Compact of Free Association citizens' access to federal safety net programs after it was inadvertently removed by the 1996 Welfare Reform Act.

Oversight

Bill would axe classified access for feds charged with a crime

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., appears tailored to allegations of Donald Trump's retention of classified documents, but would remove almost any federal employee’s access if they were charged with specific offenses.  

Pay & Benefits

TSP funds touts well-rounded gains in March

Every portfolio in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program posted increases last month.

Workforce

The MacGuffin of Schedule F

COMMENTARY | Plans to convert federal workers in policy-related positions into at-will employees leave the workforce dangling.

Management

DOD stands up a new civilian-facing cyber policy office

The nominated head of the new Pentagon office is awaiting confirmation in Congress.

Oversight

MSPB political firing case raises new questions on Schedule F

The Housing and Urban Development Department’s 2017 firing of a probationary employee over alleged leaks was politically motivated, the agency tasked with enforcing civil service laws said last week.

Management

GAO: USPS international mail volumes fell due to higher costs, pandemic restrictions

A new report found that international mail volumes fell by roughly 64% between fiscal 2017 and 2022, driven by a mix of price increases and COVID-19 impacts, but the increases helped the postal service cover costs. 

Management

Top women officials say there’s more work to do on gender balance in government tech

Women seem to be far more common in government’s top tech leadership positions than they used to be, but “we are far from done,” one such leader warns.

Tech

New White House policy mandates safeguards for federal AI use

The White House also announced new hiring goals for AI talent, a request for information on the procurement of AI and more.

Management

Rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge ‘will not be quick or easy or cheap,’ Buttigieg says

Reopening the Port of Baltimore is among the Biden administration’s top priorities in the aftermath of the collapse.

Management

House Speaker to deliver Mayorkas impeachment articles to the Senate in early April

It’s unlikely the Homeland Security secretary will be removed from office, but the push for a trial is a mark of House Republicans’ escalation of their opposition to the White House’s immigration policy.

Management

Biden administration finalizes first demographics data standards update in nearly 30 years

No longer will “race” and “ethnicity” be bifurcated into separate questions in federal datasets and questionnaires such as the U.S. Census, and people of Middle Eastern or North African ancestry will have their own distinct category.

Pay & Benefits

The state of retiring and retired women

As we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of American women during Women's History Month, let’s also take a moment to reflect on their retirement status.

Management

The continuing irresolution to fund the federal government

COMMENTARY | Congress just keeps getting worse at passing spending bills. There are consequences.

Management

Introducing the 2024 Government Hall of Fame inductees

Mary Frances Berry and James Lee Witt join the sixth class of this distinguished group. All the inductees will be honored at a gala celebration on April 24.

Workforce

Politicians may rail against the ‘deep state,’ but research shows federal workers are effective and committed, not subversive

COMMENTARY | "Our years of research about the people who work in the federal government finds that they care deeply about their work, aiding the public and pursuing the stability and integrity of government," write two scholars.

Pay & Benefits

DOD, other agencies could better transition service members to civilian life

GAO officials said the Defense, Veterans Affairs and Labor departments could better collaborate to provide more at-risk veterans “warm handovers” to help transition them from military service to civilian life.