Management
What Women’s Suffrage Tells Us About Empowerment
Not all women benefited equally from the law Congress passed 100 years ago today.
Route Fifty
House Appropriators Tackle Marijuana Banking Issues
But industry advocates say more comprehensive legislation is needed, beyond proposed spending restrictions.
Defense
Nuclear Experts Beg Congress to Push Back on Trump Administration’s ‘Dangerous Impulses’
A letter asks House and Senate Armed Services leaders to defund small nukes and support an extension for New START.
Management
Impasses Panel Guts Telework, Official Time for Employees at Social Security Administration
Although the Federal Service Impasses Panel frequently sided with management, it knocked down multiple efforts to reduce the scope of grievance procedures.
Management
GSA Out of Compliance on Improper Payments, Watchdog Finds
Agency CFO disagrees with auditors’ interpretation of acquisition rules.
Management
VA Expects 'Hiccups,' but an Otherwise Seamless Health Overhaul This Week
Some lawmakers and veterans groups are nervous about VA's implementation process for the new private care program.
Management
Homeland Security Watchdog Wades Into Debate Over Border Crisis
Management alert highlights dangerous overcrowding at El Paso processing center for undocumented detainees.
Route Fifty
Washington, D.C. Could Allow People in Prison to Vote
One council member will propose that the nation’s capital become the first place to restore voting rights to people who are currently serving time in prison.
Nextgov
Commerce Asks for Feedback On Unreleased Data Strategy Action Plan
An agency leading development of the Federal Data Strategy wants input on the draft action plan, though it won’t be released until later this week, at the earliest.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Funds End May Mostly in the Red
Only two funds within the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program posted gains last month.
Defense
Shanahan ‘Not Planning’ USS McCain Investigation, But Still Reviewing Facts
“There’s no restriction on how people can send email,” the acting defense secretary said.
Pay & Benefits
House Appropriators Propose 3.1% Civilian Pay Raise for 2020, Reject OPM-GSA Merger
Initial version of the general government spending bill ignores President Trump’s request for a pay freeze.
Defense
Still 'Acting' Shanahan Faces Test With China Face-off and USS McCain Scandal
Raising the stakes for the would-be SecDef, the White House has not yet sent formal nomination paperwork to the Senate.
Route Fifty
Federal Judge is Latest to Toss Lawsuit Seeking Union Fee Refunds
Across the country, unions have been able to argue they were following laws in place when they were collecting "agency" and "fair-share" fees, prior to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Oversight
GSA Failed to Remove Toxic Materials From Federal Facility Going Back Decades, Union Says
Dozens of studies have shown hazardous materials at the former munitions plant turned federal office building and child care center. Union alleges whistleblower retaliation.
Management
Justice Dept. Rejects New Evidence of False Testimony on Census Citizenship Question
Statement rejects claims of a political motive for adding the question.
Management
Over 200 Allegations of Abuse of Migrant Children; 1 Case of Homeland Security Disciplining Someone
A federal judge found the department’s own records disturbing and ordered the names of the accused agents made public. Now, DHS has taken its fight against doing so to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Nextgov
HHS Splits $49M AI, Automation Contract Evenly Between Small, Large Businesses
The Intelligent Automation/Artificial Intelligence contract is ready for HHS buyers, though officials have plans to grow the business.
Route Fifty
Trade Groups, Lawmakers Deride Trump’s Mexico Tariff Plan
The escalation of tariffs would add $17 billion in new taxes at the 5 percent rate and $86 billion at the 25 percent rate.
Management