Oversight
Biden Can do More to Protect Inspectors General, Says Former Watchdog Fired by Trump
Guidance issued by the Biden administration was “important,” but an executive order could also help preserve IG independence, said Michael Atkinson.
Oversight
Older Feds Are Facing Persistent Racial and Gender Pay Disparities, the EEOC Has Found
Although the federal workforce has higher representation of people 40 and older than the private sector, men and white and Asian employees within that age group make more than women and other ethnicities.
Oversight
Internal Investigation Confirms Border Patrol Failures Leading Up to a 16-Year-Old’s Death on the Floor of His Cell
A Border Patrol agent logged welfare checks that didn’t happen. Only one medical professional was caring for 200 sick migrants. The government hasn’t said whether anyone is being punished.
Oversight
The $76 Billion Cost of a Yearlong Continuing Resolution
Inflation is making 2022 a terrible year to lack a budget. Congress must act.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The Supreme Court Ruling Affects the Public and Private Workforce
Attorney John Ho joins the podcast to discuss the high court's decision about the OSHA rule.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Biden's Ethics Promises Remain In-Progress
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss the administration's efforts toward long-term change.
Oversight
Despite Biden’s Efforts on Ethics, Some Observers Say More Safeguards Are Needed
“We’re in kind of a post-Watergate era right now,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, government affairs manager at the Project on Government Oversight. “I think that’s exactly the time you want to do something like a reform of government ethics.”
Oversight
COVID-19 Widows Struggle to Get Benefits as Social Security Offices Remain Closed
The closure of Social Security offices during the pandemic has made getting survivors benefits difficult for the spouses and children of those who’ve died during the pandemic. More than 90 percent of those seeking survivors benefits are women.
Oversight
The EPA Rejects Texas’ More Lenient Standard for Highly Toxic Air Pollutant
In the wake of an investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune into the widely used chemical ethylene oxide, the EPA has moved to reject a less protective standard crafted by Texas regulators and backed by the chemical industry.
Oversight
A Federal Pandemic Watchdog Says its Oversight Money Will Run Out in July
Brian Miller, special inspector general for pandemic recovery, wrote in a new report that $25 million in CARES Act start-up funds is not enough.
Oversight
The EPA is Taking Action to Combat Industrial Air Pollution
The EPA announced a raft of targeted actions and specific reforms including stepped-up air monitoring and scrutiny of industrial polluters in the wake of ProPublica’s investigation into toxic hot spots.
Oversight
The SEC Looks to Expand Cyber Coverage
The Securities and Exchange Commission is taking a new look at how it asks publicly traded companies to disclose cybersecurity risks.
Oversight
The Special IG for Afghanistan Shares Advice on How to Spend Aid Money Well
More recommendations will come in the watchdog’s quarterly report next week.
Oversight
Expert: ARPA Could Better Fight Racial Wealth Inequality
The American Rescue Plan Act could do more to tackle racial wealth inequality, argues professor Goldburn P. Maynard Jr.
Oversight
Biden Administration’s Rapid-Test Rollout Doesn’t Easily Reach Those Who Need It Most
Two rapid-testing initiatives the Biden administration released in the past week are inaccessible to some residents of multifamily housing, people who don’t speak English well, or those without internet access.
Oversight
White House Watchdog, Codified Ethics Pledge, Among Suggestions for Improving Government Accountability
A new report makes recommendations on ethics, open government, pandemic response and more.
Oversight
Watchdog: FDA Needs a Central Workforce Plan to Help Meet Public Health Mission
The agency faces stiff competition from private sector employers, said the Government Accountability Office.
Oversight
How Better Airline Technology Could Minimize Flight Disruptions
Updated algorithms and increased data sharing could improve flight reliability amid a fragile system, scientists say.
Oversight
Lawmakers Question Agencies on Implementation of Customer Service Act
The law requires agencies to accept digital signatures to authorize congressional offices to help constituents.
Oversight