Management
New SSA chief praises DOGE for ‘making things better’
Frank Bisignano said he has no current plans to institute further reductions in force and hopes to use AI to make the historically sluggish Social Security disability determination processes move faster.
Management
Judge says she is inclined to further pause layoffs at most major agencies
RIF plans have been frozen for two weeks, but federal court suggests they are unconstitutional and implementation will remain prohibited indefinitely.
Management
Staffing cuts will improve government services, agency leaders say
Trump administration officials defend their ongoing workforce reductions to lawmakers amid some bipartisan concerns.
Management
USDA wants to modernize farmer services, even as staffing cuts could hurt the effort
The department plans to digitize farmer-facing applications that are still on paper.
Management
NIH director bemoans RIFs, mocks ‘5 things’ email and says agency shoulders blame for COVID outbreak in first address
New agency head also says some laid off employees may be recalled, including to help address supply shortages at labs and medical centers.
Management
It's time for a Security Clearance Ready Reserve
COMMENTARY | A Clearance Ready Reserve would serve as a strategic hedge against attrition, espionage and workforce volatility.
Management
Legislative watchdog rebuffs DOGE efforts to install on-site team
“DOGE’s attempted intrusion into an independent, nonpartisan legislative branch agency is a direct assault on our nation’s sacred separation of powers,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee.
Management
DOGE went looking for phone fraud at SSA — and found almost none
Since SSA installed new anti-fraud checks on claims made over the phone, only two claims out of over 110,000 were found to likely be fraudulent, according to internal documents obtained by Nextgov/FCW.
Management
The Trump administration is staffing up parts of FAA, it’s also incentivizing thousands of departures and threatening layoffs
More than 2,700 employees have indicated they want to take an incentive offer to leave the agency, though the final number is subject to change.
Management
More than 80 lawmakers from both parties urge Trump to unfreeze FEMA funding
The bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency urging support for a grant program that helps local communities strengthen their preparedness for natural disasters.
Management
Republicans want Treasury to study free tax filing options — again
The reconciliation text being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee includes $15 million for the IRS to study how to give Americans free ways to file their taxes that would replace both the Free File and Direct File programs.
Management
Trump’s Qatari Air Force One would pose massive security risks
Treating the aircraft as safe for the commander in chief with just a few modifications is "absurd," one former senior defense official said.
Management
How William Howard Taft’s approach to government efficiency differed from Elon Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics
President Taft worked with Congress to launch his effort to streamline government, while Trump has taken a different route.
Management
Trump administration tells court publicly releasing its mass layoff plans would hurt recruiting and retention
A judge's order pausing those layoffs is having varying effects at agencies, with at least one temporarily undoing RIF actions.
Management
Standard leadership advice tough to practice under Trump’s government overhaul
Government experts recently offered guidance to public sector leaders on how to successfully manage teams in an unpredictable environment.
Management
USPS confirms waste management executive and FedEx board member will serve as postmaster general
David Steiner will replace Louis DeJoy as the agency faces significant financial and political pressures.
Management
That time when calling a president ‘old’ was a compliment
You’ve probably heard of Old Hickory. But what about Old Public Functionary?
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Management
State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block
There were bipartisan concerns from lawmakers about a planned break-up of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, according to meeting notes. Office eliminations are expected by June 2.
Management
FEMA leader ousted, one day after publicly opposing agency’s elimination
Cam Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of the administrator at FEMA, was let go just one day after he testified before Congress about the size and scope of the federal agency.
Management