Management
OPM Official: Merger With GSA Won't Be As Disruptive as Some Might Fear
Personnel agency will retain its Senate-confirmed director and likely its office building, deputy director says.
Route Fifty
Federal Infrastructure Funding is Good, but Local Governments Want Flexibility Too
Accessing federal funds for infrastructure projects is much too difficult, county leaders say. With reauthorization of the FAST Act on the table, they want a bigger say in how money can be spent.
Defense
House Democrats Hope to Curb Diversions of Pentagon Spending to Border Wall
Armed Services members’ bill targets Defense Department construction fund transfers.
Nextgov
To Unleash a Modern Workforce, America Must Revamp Education
Federal leaders say the nation needs to pivot education towards tech-focused training in fields like robotics.
Management
Trust Isn’t Simple When It Comes To Government
Do you trust the government? New research digs deeper than previous gauges to understand what people really think.
Route Fifty
One City’s Journey to Filing Complaints About Police Online
Austin, Texas, debuted an anonymous online feedback form that eases the process for residents to describe interactions they have with police officers
Management
Trump’s VA Firing Spree Falters in Court
Rather than defend a law that the president loves, the VA will reinstate a hospital director whom it twice tried to fire.
Defense
Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War
Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.
Nextgov
Lawmakers Want Spy Agencies to Help Secure Government Tech and Elections
The Intelligence Authorization Act would increase the IC’s involvement in a number of federal tech and cyber efforts.
Management
Feds Rarely Win Before MSPB. Board Says That’s Not a Problem.
Many cases settle before a ruling, board says, and agencies judiciously take action.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Tax Returns, Norms and the President
The White House is trying to block Congress from investigating Donald Trump's finances.
Route Fifty
Sports Betting Not Proving to Be a Tax Bonanza For States
Revenues have largely been modest and in some places have fallen far short of projections.
Nextgov
Trump Issues Executive Order Over Tech Threats from Foreign Adversaries
The president directed the Commerce Secretary to establish when transactions could put national security at risk.
Nextgov
Many Americans Want to Join Civil Service Until It’s Time to Apply
A commission on public service wants to figure out what parts of the federal hiring process deter potential employees.
Oversight
Democrats Critical of President Trump's Supplemental Budget Request
Letter to House Speaker Pelosi seeks movement of funds for homeland security, moon launch.
Pay & Benefits
Expanded Vets' Benefits, Paid Parental Leave for Intelligence Personnel and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Pentagon Parts Contractor Draws Bipartisan Outrage Over Pricing
Sen. Grassley asks acting Defense chief for action on overcharges exposed by watchdog.
Management
Agencies Could Weed Out Poor Managers Early, But They Rarely Do
Just seven out of every 1,000 new supervisors failed the probationary period, MSPB found.
Route Fifty