Pay & Benefits
Social Security Services and Scams
What you need to know about recent changes in agency operations and ongoing fraud schemes.
Nextgov
Lawmaker Wants Hard Details on Agencies’ Plans to Upgrade Legacy IT
Sen. Maggie Hassan gave 10 agencies until August 3 to answer six questions about their modernization plans—or lack thereof.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: VA Is Still Struggling on Testing; OMB Stresses ‘Decentralized’ Approach to Agencies’ Return to Workplaces
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Benefits
TSA, FDIC to offer early retirement options
The Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation plan to offer early retirement options to eligible employees.
Employee Policy
Feds across multiple agencies pressed into DOJ’s protest crackdown
Federal employees in law enforcement and investigative agencies are being pulled into management of national protests following the police detention and killing of George Floyd.
Defense
Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear
Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.
Management
The Critical Need for Reliable Antibody Testing for COVID-19
While there are some good tests out there, not all are equally reliable, the director of the National Institutes of Health explains.
Defense
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Defense
James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution
In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.
Nextgov
Bill Would Prevent the President from Nuking Hurricanes
It came on the first day of hurricane season, in response to a recommendation Trump reportedly made in the past.
Management
Contractors for Trump’s Controversial $3 Billion Food Aid Program Have Hired a Longtime Lobbyist to Tout Their Work
Lawmakers are asking why some federal contractors in Trump’s food aid program apparently lack qualifications to deliver the goods. Companies hired a consultant to tell positive stories.
Workforce
3 Ways Your Pets Feel the COVID-19 Anxiety, Too
Pets could be feeling secondhand anxiety from their owners.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Federal Law Enforcement at D.C. Protests
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss how federal LEOs were part of the response to the demonstrations near the White House.
Route Fifty
Virginia and Richmond Leaders Plan to Move on Confederate Statue Removal
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Hawaii opens up to interisland travel this month … Tropical storm projected to be headed to Gulf Coast … Nebraska governor apologizes for saying ‘you people’ to black pastors.
Defense
Can the President Really Order the Military to Occupy U.S. Cities and States?
President Trump has warned that he will send the military into states to curb protests. Is Trump’s warning bluster? Or does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?
Management
OMB Nominee Pledges to Work With Congress and GAO on Coronavirus Investigations
The Office of Management and Budget will “be as responsive as we possibly can,” said Russell Vought.
Management
USPS Board Nominees Vow to Protect Agency but Offer Little Expertise on Postal Issues
Board of governor appointees offered few details, say they have a lot to learn about Postal Service operations.
Nextgov
Cyber Commission: Expand Connected Device Security Bill Beyond Federal Procurement Realm
The new recommendation comes in an annex the Cyberspace Solarium Commission released in light of the pandemic.
Pay & Benefits
Washington-Area Feds Face Another Obstacle to Returning to the Office: Metro Upgrades
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Route Fifty