Route Fifty

Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, Supported by State and Local Governments, Back on Track

President’s Biden walked back comments that he would not sign an infrastructure bill without a second Democrat-backed proposal. That irked Republicans who threatened to derail the agreement.

Management

After Nearly 60 Years, National Intelligence University Moves to ODNI

“We're one stop on that journey for developing that future officer, that future leader,” said the university president. 

Management

Why America Must Lead—and Fund—the Ocean Data Revolution

We have an opportunity to empower natural resource managers, federal agencies and local communities to make informed decisions with the best available science.

Nextgov

White House, NIH Directors Weigh in on Proposed Health and Human Services Research Arm

The proposed $6.5 billion Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health will need a very specific work culture and an inspiring first leader to be successful, key officials said.

Defense

Afghanistan is ‘Not a Winnable War,’ White House Says as Taliban Storms Country

President Ghani leaves Washington empty handed, as Biden rejects Republican calls to reverse U.S. troop withdrawal.

Oversight

The U.S. Is Closing a Loophole That Lured Mexicans Over the Border to Donate Blood Plasma for Cash

Selling blood plasma in the U.S. could net Mexican residents hundreds of dollars a month — if they donated often enough. But some were putting their health at risk to do so.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: What's Next in the Battle for Civil Service

Dr. Donald F. Kettl joins the podcast to discuss the future of public service.

Retirement

GAO: Climate change weighs on TSP

Climate change threatens TSP investment returns and yet the board that governs the massive fund has been slow to adapt, GAO finds.

Route Fifty

Police Recruitment is Down. How One State is Partnering to Boost the Ranks

Ohio’s Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment is launching a pilot program at two universities that guarantees criminal justice graduates jobs in local law enforcement.

Management

Appeals Court Overrules FLRA on Telework Negotiability

A federal circuit court judge said a Federal Labor Relations Authority ruling improperly ignored provisions preserving management rights to deny telework requests.

Nextgov

Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA

The two programs would look to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts for the public and private sectors, but with a focus on preparing trainees for federal jobs.

Management

What I Learned Helping Lead Oversight of $5 Trillion in Pandemic Relief

Large scale identity theft-based fraud in unemployment assistance stunned many, even those who fight fraud for a living.

Defense

White House, Pentagon Finalizing Plans to Get Thousands of Interpreters out of Afghanistan

No decision yet on where and how Afghans and their families will be housed and fed as they await U.S. visas.

Defense

U.S. Troops on Base Less Likely to Seek Extremist Content Than Americans in General, Study Finds

Service branches differ in their engagement with anti-Black extremism or anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, internet research firm says in upcoming report.

Management

Biden’s Goal to Permanently Boost Support for Families Echoes a Failed Nixon Proposal from 50 Years Ago – Will It Take off This Time?

Starting in July 2021, most US families will get monthly payments from the IRS of either $250 or $300 per child under 18.

Employee Policy

Fully vaccinated? You are cleared for official travel

The White House COVID Response Team has issued new guidance, clearing all fully vaccinated feds for official travel.