Pay & Benefits
The federal firefighter ‘pay cliff’ has been averted, for now
The 45-day continuing resolution preventing a government shutdown also includes language ensuring federal firefighters don’t lose access to recent pay increases whose funding was expected to run out this month.
Defense
Lawmakers, Army headed for a fight over cuts to special operations forces
“It doesn’t pass the smell test,” said one Senate staffer.
Defense
How the Pentagon’s big tech bets could suffer if the government shuts down
Anything that needs new money to start or scale could see delays—including the Air Force’s quest to develop robot wingmen.
Pay & Benefits
Federal payroll processor: Oct. 11 is deadline to avert feds’ getting incomplete paychecks
If Congress fails to restore funding to federal agencies, most federal workers will only receive a partial paycheck on Oct. 13.
Management
HASC chair: Space Command's temporary office is insecure. Officials: untrue
After White House scuttles move to Alabama, Rep. Rogers vows to keep SPACECOM from building a permanent HQ in Colorado.
Management
Sen. Kaine eyes another measure to make shutdowns less frequent
The Modernizing the Federal Calendar Act would shift the federal government’s fiscal year to align with the traditional calendar year.
Management
Democrats fear cyberattacks as government shutdown looms
Lawmakers are expressing concerns that the shutdown could radically hinder the work of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in responding to major ransomware incidents and other digital intrusions.
Defense
Shutdown would be 'extremely disruptive' to defense production, workforce, acquisition chief says
“Can you imagine if the Chinese had something like this, where their government would shut down every few years?” Bill LaPlante said Tuesday.
Management
5 longest government shutdowns in U.S. history
The 2025 budget dispute is now the longest of the impasses that have left lasting impressions on the history of the federal government.
Pay & Benefits
Odds of a fix for impending wildland firefighter ‘pay cliff’ improve, but complications remain
Union officials say they’ve received assurances from leadership in both the House and Senate that Congress will work to avert massive pay cuts that could kick in next month.
Pay & Benefits
Your guide to pay and benefits during a shutdown
Congress is on a collision course with yet another lapse of appropriations, as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy struggles to corral the Republican caucus.
Management
Federal employees to lose champion in Congress as lawmaker announces retirement
Jennifer Wexton will step down due to a rare medical condition.
Workforce
Telework approach defended by agency leaders amid Republican pressure
Federal HR officials said, contrary to GOP lawmakers’ concerns, agencies monitor employees’ productivity while working remotely and ensure workers are not paid the improper amount in locality pay.
Pay & Benefits
Union warns at least one-third of federal wildland firefighters could walk if Congress walks off ‘pay cliff’
Officials with the National Federation of Federal Employees said Wednesday that competitors like Cal Fire and Pacific Gas and Electric are already looking to recruit federal firefighters fed up with their pay uncertainty.
Pay & Benefits
Come again? Political scientist sees shutdown as 'likely'— and feds need to get ready
With days left until funding for the federal government expires, some political experts foresee not only a shutdown, but possibly a long one, with an interruption in pay likely
Oversight
House Speaker McCarthy tells committees to launch Biden impeachment probe
"I do not make this decision lightly," the California Republican told reporters Tuesday. It’s unclear if he has 218 votes for the House to launch a probe.
Workforce
If Sen. Ernst thinks veterans are fraudsters, she couldn't be more wrong
COMMENTARY | Criticism regarding potential inefficiencies or shortcomings in teleworking policies should be directed at the policy or system, not the workers who operate within the guidelines provided, writes one veteran.
Defense
Uncertainty at the top blurs Marine Corps’ work on 2025 budget
Like the Army and Navy, the Corps is without a confirmed chief, thanks to a GOP senator’s hold.
Workforce
Amid shutdown anxiety, federal agencies are running up against an IT security deadline
While budget negotiations play out on Capitol Hill, federal agency CIOs are also on the clock to ensure the bulk of their information technology is reported through the CDM program.
Workforce