Management
Bisignano deflects customer service questions in congressional testimony
The Social Security commissioner frequently tried to shout over Democratic lawmakers during the occasionally raucous hearing.
Management
Why Congress separated immigration funding from oversight
After negotiations over enforcement restrictions collapsed, lawmakers approved $70 billion, funding that will give the Trump administration resources to continue its immigration crackdown through nearly the end of the president's second term.
Workforce
Union renews call for lawmakers to override Trump’s anti-union EO at the Pentagon
Last year, the House voted to pass its annual defense policy bill with a provision that would have halted implementation of President Trump’s executive order banning collective bargaining at the Defense Department and other agencies, but the Senate axed the measure.
Defense
Lawmakers aim to force the Army to detail its transformation plans
“Parochial interests” may have motivated lawmakers to tighten the reins, one official said.
Oversight
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
Defense
House panel rejects bid to keep military lawyers focused on military work
Lawmakers split over whether the administration’s expanded use of JAG officers supports homeland security priorities or pulls them away from their core mission.
Oversight
USPS financial crisis won’t be solved until Congress defines its service mission, regulator testifies
At a hearing Thursday, lawmakers also expressed doubt about a proposal from U.S. Postal Service leaders to raise the agency’s statutory debt limit.
Defense
Ready, fire, aim: Pentagon cut workforce with little analysis before or since, GAO finds
Defense officials concurred that lessons should be drawn—but gave no indication they will be.
Tech
Cyber Force? Senator pushes to create service branch under the Army
Ideas for a cyber service have been floated before. Some experts argue now is the right time.
Management
Bipartisan IRS whistleblower reform bill gains momentum in Senate after House approval
The IRS said that it has collected around $7.5 billion due to whistleblowers since 2007.
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Oversight
Citing legal requirement, senator wants a designated inspector general to provide oversight of Iran war
The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is required to select an IG to oversee reviews when a military “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
Defense
House draft of defense policy bill leaves some of Trump admin’s top priorities unfunded
The draft bill doesn’t include reconciliation dollars.
Management
Agency leaders back GSA bid for full access to federal building repair funds
Officials argued that GSA’s deferred maintenance backlog has increased to an estimated $26 billion, in part, because Congress puts annual restrictions on amounts the agency can spend from the Federal Buildings Fund.
Management
FEMA is not ready for hurricane season due to Trump upheaval, House Democrats argue
The administration has recently reinstated some disaster staffers to promote readiness.
Workforce
House GOP probes agency settlements with federal workers
Republican members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee argued agencies should settle less often with feds who allege prohibited personnel practices, but experts say the government acts similarly to private sector litigants.
Defense
Hegseth rethinking Army reforms, cuts to aviation
One year after launching the Army Transformation Initiative, the Defense secretary says he's reviewing the to-do list.
Oversight
Watchdog recommends nearly 100 ways for agencies to save tens of billions
Agencies have implemented a majority of previous Government Accountability Office recommendations regarding duplicative federal programs, generating almost $775 billion in financial benefits.
Pay & Benefits
Dems introduce bill to protect feds’ credit scores during shutdowns
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said he was inspired to draft the legislation after hearing from TSA workers whose inability to pay their bills during the 78-day partial government shutdown hurt their credit scores even after they began receiving back pay.
Management
Easing USPS handgun shipping rules will exacerbate crime, warns Democrat
Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., is challenging the Postal Service’s plan to treat handguns like rifles and shotguns.
Management