Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Watchdog Surveys Justice Dept. Workforce on COVID-19 Impact; Safety Advocates Question Mask Guidance Change
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Committee Moves Cabinet-level OSTP Director Nominee to Full Senate
The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted to report Eric Lander’s nomination favorably, though Republican members were split.
Management
Will Ending Mask Requirements Cause a Surge in COVID-19 Cases?
"...Some states that decrease their public health efforts on physical distancing and mask-wearing could see high levels of COVID-19 cases..."
Defense
Climate Change Will Force Coast Guard to Respond to ‘More Intense’ Storms, Biden Says
One recent hurricane season cost the service nearly a billion dollars to respond to aid requests and repair the damage to its own facilities. The future is sure to bring worse.
Nextgov
DHS Plans Next Rally to Advance Facial Recognition Tech
Modern systems are getting good at verifying people who are wearing face masks—and DHS wants to make them better.
Management
Congress Takes Another Significant Step Toward Finally Making Postal Reform Law
Both parties and both chambers see eye to eye on the bill, marking a major development on the path to passing postal legislation, something Congress has tried and failed to accomplish for a decade.
Workforce
Employees Are Feeling Burned Over Broken Work-From-Home Promises and Corporate Culture ‘BS’ as Employers Try to Bring Them Back to the Office
A divide is growing between workers and management over the return to the office and other issues.
Management
GovExec Daily: Are You Bringing Employees Back to an Unhealthy Workplace?
Michael Lee Stallard joins the podcast to discuss how to foster a better return to office.
Route Fifty
Cities, States Providing Legal Aid to Stave off Post-Covid Evictions
Louisville, Kentucky became the latest city to pass a right to counsel law that will guarantee legal representation for low-income renters. At least 11 states are considering similar measures.
Pay & Benefits
GOP Senator Introduces Bill to Bar TSP Investment in China
A roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Biden Expected to Unveil Full Budget Proposal Next Week, Without a Permanent OMB Director
A veteran Capitol Hill staffer has been serving as the acting head of the Office of Management and Budget.
Management
Diversity RFI Opens the Door to Rethinking How Government Reaches Its Goals
The administration is using a recent request for information as a crowd-sourcing tool for policy solutions around equity goals.
Nextgov
Federal CIO Says New IT Modernization Plan In the Works
The Biden administration will outline exactly what it “stands for” when it comes to IT delivery in government, Federal CIO Clare Martorana said.
Management
Republicans Press Biden to Bring Federal Employees Back to Their Offices Immediately
The administration has so far maintained its governmentwide 25% maximum capacity policy for federal buildings.
Defense
CIA’s Last Classified Fax Machines Are About to Retire
A secure email system dubbed Gray Magic will replace the legendary analog technology.
Management
GovExec Daily: CBP, Social Media and the IG Report
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss a new Homeland Security Inspector General report on workforce issues at Customs and Border Protection.
Workforce
House Easily Passes Measure to Boost Hiring, Bonuses at State Department
Lawmakers say the "momentous" authorization bill, the first in 20 years, would "prevent the politicization and targeting and impunity" that have hurt morale at the department in recent years.
Route Fifty
Yellen Gets Icy Reception Making Infrastructure Tax Pitch to Chamber
The business group is not onboard with a White House plan to raise taxes on corporations to help pay for public works upgrades.
Management
OPM Updates Agencies, Unions on Labor-Management Forums
A Trump-era order shutting down union-management councils at federal agencies remains “under review,” officials said, but in the meantime, agencies may elect to start new ones if they wish.
Oversight