Defense
Analysis: Why Soldiers Can’t Claim Conscientious Objection if Ordered to Suppress Protests
The U.S. military can exempt from service those who are religiously or morally opposed to violence. But conscientious objector status won't help soldiers who disagree with specific lawful orders.
Route Fifty
Census Workers to Resume In-Person Visits to Boost Response Rate
About 40% of households have not yet responded to the 2020 census survey and the bureau estimates workers may have to visit 56 million households to follow up.
Nextgov
After Years In Limbo, GSA Cancels $15B Governmentwide IT Contract
The agency rescinded awards on the Alliant 2 Small Business last year, then canceled the solicitation altogether.
Management
House Defense Policy Bill Fixes Parental Leave Loopholes, Preserves Pentagon Collective Bargaining
The House version of the 2021 Defense authorization measure ensures all federal workers have access to the new benefit providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and it also standardizes locality pay between the General Schedule and Federal Wage System pay scales.
Nextgov
CISA Stands to Gain Powers Under Both Versions of the Defense Authorization Bill
An amendment on the Senate-side bill would grant the agency subpoena power over internet service providers.
Oversight
IG: Hurricane Dorian ‘Sharpiegate’ Report Was ‘Delayed, Thwarted and Effectively Estopped’
The Commerce Department denies it obstructed the process of publishing the watchdog’s full findings.
Pay & Benefits
VA Significantly Boosts Hiring as COVID-19 Cases Among Employees and Veterans Spike
Coronavirus cases among VA workers are climbing much faster than in the general population.
Nextgov
Congress Inches Closer to Creating a National Cloud for AI Research
Legislation launched in early June received new attention and support this week.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Military Cases Spike; July 4th Concerns Grow; Free Masks for Feds
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Route Fifty
State and Local Government Jobs Flat in June, But Employment Levels Still Low
Employment in the sector is down by about 1.5 million since the coronavirus hit.
Employee Policy
Immigration judges' union sues Justice Department
The National Association of Immigration Judges is suing the Department of Justice over restrictions that cover public speaking about immigration issues.
Employee Policy
Sexual abuse suit filed against former AFGE chief and union
Plaintiffs ask for compensation and punishment, federal monitor to reform union.
Defense
We Don’t Have Enough Cash to Build New Nuclear Weapons, Says Air Force Chief
Nukes or conventional weapons, “the current budget does not allow you to do both,” says Gen. Dave Goldfein, suggesting Congress create a separate account.
Oversight
Analysis: Has the IRS Hit Bottom?
Every year, the IRS annual report is an opportunity to measure how effectively the U.S. government has sabotaged its own ability to enforce its tax laws. This year’s report signals historic lows for U.S. tax enforcement.
Tech
GovExec Daily: How Governments Can Use Contact Tracing in the Fight Against the Pandemic
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley joins the podcast to discuss why governments need to use technology to identify, isolate and track localized outbreaks.
Route Fifty
The Fight Continues Over Paying Enhanced Jobless Benefits Beyond July
Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would extend the $600-per-week unemployment supplement, but Republicans say the size of the extra payment discourages people from returning to work.
Route Fifty
State AG Recommends Data Reporting Mandate for Police Deadly Force Incidents
As it stands, most police agencies in Washington state are not reporting this type of information through a program the FBI launched last year.
Route Fifty
Libraries Begin Partial Reopening as Covid-19 Cases Surge
Most libraries are implementing phased reopening plans, beginning with contactless pickup of materials that undergo a quarantine period for safety.
Oversight
House Committee Investigates Whether Officials Misled Congress on OPM-GSA Merger
A recent watchdog group report cited notes from a phone call indicating the Trump administration was advised that the merger plan was illegal, an account that is at odds with what OPM officials testified before Congress last year.
Nextgov