Management
8 midterm races for federal employees to watch
Several high-profile races, including Senate elections in Maine, Georgia and Texas, could impact civil servants.
Workforce
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.
Oversight
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.
Workforce
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.
Oversight
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Tech
Space Force braces for stalled progress amid lack of full funding
Fiscal 2027 program starts are already on hold until December.
Workforce
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Oversight
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.
Management
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.
Management
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Exclusive
Workforce
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.
Management
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.
Oversight
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.
Oversight
Calls for IG probe of Reflecting Pool renovation come amid questions over watchdog's independence
The former inspector general at Interior and a senior House lawmaker criticized the apparent appointment of a Project 2025 co-author at the watchdog office.
Management
Education reorganization faces bipartisan pushback, as lawmakers push to disclose price tag
A department spokesperson said it was “downright malpractice” for lawmakers to reject reorganization efforts before giving them a chance to demonstrate results.
Oversight
Dem senators demand answers on SSA field office closures despite Bisignano’s vow
Just weeks after the Social Security commissioner falsely accused his predecessor of turning away members of the public, lawmakers say Bisignano has done just that.
Oversight