Pay & Benefits
Federal Workers Recount Concerns Over Transit Payments, Qualifying for Mortgages and Other Shutdown Impacts
“It’s not just about us; it’s the people we serve and what the mission is,” said one employee at a roundtable hosted by Sen. Chris Van Hollen.
Pay & Benefits
Analysis: Trump Is Grinding the System to a Halt
Thousands of TSA employees continue to work without pay. It’s unfair—and it’s dangerous.
Management
If the Shutdown Derails Your Finances, It Could Affect Your Security Clearance
Don’t panic, but don’t go on a shopping spree either. Money issues cause more clearance denials and revocations than all other issues combined.
News
A Shutdown-Era Visit to Park Service Ops at Trump’s D.C. Hotel
Old Post Office tower remains open despite the lapse in appropriations.
Pay & Benefits
As Shutdown Talks Stall, Democrats Try a New Tactic to Open Some Agencies
Trump says feds are still with him and can call in sick if that’s "what they have to do."
Nextgov
GSA Emerging Tech Leader Heads to the Private Sector
Justin Herman, who leads GSA’s Emerging Citizen Technology Office, is moving to the private sector.
Nextgov
Federal Business Opportunities Site and Others Online After Issues
Three important sites operated by the General Services Administration experienced technical problems last week.
Oversight
Democratic-Run House Creates New Whistleblower Ombudsman
Advocates praise new option for agency employees who feel gagged.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Administration Delays End of Pay Freeze for Political Appointees
The salaries of the vice president, Cabinet-level officials and other political appointees were due to increase for the first time since 2013 as a result of the partial government shutdown.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Roundup: TSA Workers Call in Sick, Free Classes For Feds and Park Funding Concerns
The shutdown continues to have far-reaching effects.
Management
Federal Employees Did not Sign Up to be Shut Down
The current impasse reflects a pattern of mismanagement of public service talent under the Trump administration.
Management
IRS Faces Busiest Season Under New Tax Law With a Mostly Furloughed Workforce
The White House said Monday the IRS will call back some employees, unpaid, to process 2018 tax refunds this month.
Route Fifty
Places Where Flu Activity Has Been the Highest
Many localities haven’t yet felt the full brunt of influenza season.
Route Fifty
Metros Should Focus on Attracting and Upskilling Workers in ‘Opportunity Industries’
There’s a difference between a good job, a promising job and other jobs, particularly for people without bachelor’s degrees, according to a recent Brookings report.
Tech
Pentagon Seeks a List of Ethical Principles for Using AI in War
An advisory board is drafting guidelines that may help shape worldwide norms for military artificial intelligence — and woo Silicon Valley to defense work.
Oversight
Congress Used To Pass Bipartisan Legislation – Will It Ever Again?
Most Congresses since the 1970s have passed more than 500 laws, ranging from nuclear disarmament to deficit reduction. Will today's bitter partisanship hamstring the new Congress' productivity?
Route Fifty
Bill to Restore Full State, Local Tax Deduction Emerges in New Congress
The “SALT” deduction was curbed by the GOP-backed tax law passed in late 2017.
News
AFGE Seeks to Correct the Record after Member Union Endorses Shutdown
"Every federal employee wants to get back to work," the union said, after National Border Patrol Council officials appeared with President Trump Thursday.
Pay & Benefits