Congress
A Democratic Congress could derail major Pentagon plans and put Hegseth under pressure
Funding fights, investigations and potential impeachment proceedings could reshape the Defense Department’s agenda, putting high-profile initiatives such as the Golden Fleet and Autonomous Warfare Command at risk.
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Trump’s federal workforce overhaul faces a new Congress after Democratic wins
At least one federal employee who separated from the federal government since last year will serve in the House.
Musk is the target of a new Democratic bill to curtail political donations from federal contractors
While government contracting companies are already barred from making campaign contributions, a new measure would extend that prohibition to the corporations’ leaders.
The census shows what government does well — and what political interference could break, author argues
A university researcher who embedded in the Census Bureau ahead of the 2020 national headcount warns in a new book that President Donald Trump’s federal workforce reforms, paired with decades of “Jenga politics,” could put the next census at risk.
8 midterm races for federal employees to watch
Several high-profile races, including Senate elections in Maine, Georgia and Texas, could impact civil servants.
Some former federal employees are still struggling to find the right fit
Workforce officials and lawmakers say some of the employees pushed out of government last year are still struggling to find work that matches their skills.
Housing finance agency chief moves to slash watchdog’s budget, leading Democrats to demand his resignation
The Federal Housing Finance Agency inspector general said that budget cuts would force the office to reduce its staffing by up to 80% and effectively stop criminal investigations.
FAA administrator defends withholding part of ATC pay raise
Democrats on a House appropriations subcommittee accused FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford of trying to “squeeze” the already overstretched air traffic controller workforce.
Congress — not the president — should appoint the next GAO head, bipartisan coalition argues
The organizations from across the political spectrum contended that former Comptroller General Gene Dodaro’s retirement last year provides an opportunity for lawmakers to overhaul the nomination process.
Lawmakers call on leadership to override Trump’s planned pay freeze
Members of both parties urged congressional leaders to “at minimum” authorize an across-the-board 3.8% pay raise for civilian federal employees, in line with President Trump’s supplemental pay increase planned only for law enforcement.
Space Force braces for stalled progress amid lack of full funding
Fiscal 2027 program starts are already on hold until December.
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Bill would let federal whistleblowers sue if disciplined over violating NDAs
New legislation from Virginia Democrats seeks to beef up federal whistleblower protections as the Trump administration weighs drastically expanding agencies’ use of non-disclosure agreements.
Air traffic controllers are still waiting on 2.8% of their congressionally approved pay raise
Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford says the agency needs to improve how it uses its existing workforce before he will release the rest of the increase.
Musk should testify about overstated savings from DHS contract cancellations, Democrats argue
The Government Accountability Office reported that contract terminations pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency yielded a net of $92 million — much less than the Homeland Security Department’s public report of as much as $10.5 billion in potential savings.
Shutdown threat possibly lifted as House passes stopgap spending bill
The measure gives Congress more time to reach a deal on a comprehensive spending package for fiscal 2027.
Trump’s FDA pick faces questions about leading the agency
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who will oversee her confirmation, says Dr. Heidi Overton’s management experience and role in the administration’s vaccine policy raise concerns.
Bill expanding paid leave for feds is pared back in Senate
The upper chamber’s version of legislation extending 12 weeks of paid family leave each year to federal workers removes provisions allowing it to be used in connection with helping a family member who has been the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking.
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Statistical agency staffing cuts put federal data under new scrutiny on Capitol Hill
House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott, D-Va., is pressing for a September hearing to examine what staffing losses and leadership vacancies mean for agencies responsible for producing key data.
USPS seeks funding from Congress to address long-term financial issues
Postal officials warn that the agency may need to lower service standards and close "unprofitable" post offices if it doesn't get funding from Congress.
Key oversight and federal workforce nominees confirmed by Senate
Several of the individuals will lead agencies that have been downsized or otherwise weakened by the Trump administration.
