Updated
Management
Trump appointees confirmed by the Senate are exiting their jobs in record numbers, report finds
The Partnership for Public Service also reported that the president is making a historically low number of nominations.
Management
Lawmakers look to avoid government shutdown, and reconsider getting rid of them entirely
The latest proposals would change how Congress handles funding lapses and could reshape the budget fights that have repeatedly disrupted federal operations.
Management
House GOP cancels VA overhaul vote again
House Republicans narrowly defeated a motion that would have sent the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act back to committee but has struggled to build support for its counter to a looming discharge petition to advance another bill aimed at increasing veterans’ benefits.
Workforce
A year after State layoffs, ex-feds say U.S. is paying the price in Iran and Ebola crises
Democratic lawmakers at a Thursday press conference also touted a new bill that would exempt foreign service officers who were pushed out by the Trump administration from being required to take the Foreign Service Officer Test if they wish to rejoin.
Workforce
More than 50 Dem lawmakers demand more Schedule F transparency
Efforts to understand the true scope of the recent executive order moving around 8,000 career federal jobs into Schedule Policy/Career, making their incumbents effectively at-will employees, have been stymied by the administration’s scant public documentation.
Management
FEMA overhaul proposal spotlighted by bipartisan lawmakers
Supporters testified that the FEMA Act would help disaster survivors and local governments more easily access assistance.
Management
CDC nominee faces questions over whether she can lead the agency independently
Dr. Erica Schwartz sought to reassure senators she would follow the science as lawmakers pressed her on vaccines, abortion data and disease surveillance.
Updated
Oversight
Former civil servants and union request IG investigation into transfer of Education program to Labor
House Republicans recently introduced a package of bills that would codify the Trump administration’s interagency agreements that move Education offices to other agencies.
News
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies, leaving Senate seat vacant
The longtime South Carolina Republican chaired the Senate Budget Committee and led a key appropriations panel.
Management
As opposition mounts, House cancels vote on VA overhaul bill
House Democrats and veterans service organizations warned that a bill Republicans claim will increase benefits "robs Peter to pay Paul" and hastens efforts to privatize veteran health care.
Workforce
Bill would limit federal relocations to states with abortion restrictions
Legislation introduced by Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., would block the Trump administration from relocating agencies to states that have instituted or revived abortion bans since the fall of Roe v. Wade, and grants feds the right to refuse relocations to those jurisdictions.
Management
Space Force acquisition nominee faces ethics scrutiny over defense industry ties
The request would tighten post-government employment limits and recusal requirements for Erich Hernandez-Baquero, a former Raytheon executive nominated to a senior Space Force acquisition role.
Defense
Pentagon's growing role as an investor draws new scrutiny on Capitol Hill
Senate lawmakers are proposing guardrails on defense equity investments as the department takes larger stakes in strategically important companies.
Oversight
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
Management
GOP’s VA overhaul bill narrows some employees’ rights, spurs privatization, union says
The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act also would cut some vets’ disability benefits and push the Veterans Affairs Department to bring back telework in some form.
Defense
Congress wants answers on Pentagon’s use of military lawyers in civilian jobs
A bipartisan NDAA provision would require GAO to examine whether assigning JAGs to Justice Department work is affecting military readiness and morale.
Oversight
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Defense
Senate rejects Cyber Force push as debate over cyber structure continues
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s amendment to place a new service under the Army fell short in committee, even as lawmakers advanced separate provisions examining Cyber Command’s role and resourcing.
Pay & Benefits