Employee Policy
Pandemic watchdog seeks more time, money and authority
The office is floating a draft bill that would keep it open an additional five years, provide more consistent funding and expand the special IG’s jurisdiction.
Pay & Benefits
More than 100 Lawmakers Urge the Biden Administration To Extend Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waivers
Although the Education Department has proposed regulations to make permanent many provisions of a temporary waiver program aimed at making the popular program easier to navigate, those rules won’t take effect until next year.
Employee Policy
Senate democrats push to prevent another Schedule F, as part of Defense bill
Two senators hope to attach the text of the Preventing a Patronage System Act to the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, following the House’s lead.
Oversight
The Pandemic Watchdog is Looking for More Time, Money and Authority
The office is floating a draft bill that would keep it open an additional five years, provide more consistent funding and expand the special IG’s jurisdiction.
Employee Policy
Biden’s nominee makes his case to take the government’s top regulatory job
Presidential pick Richard Revesz gained the support of former OIRA administrators for the job, which is housed within OMB—but he still has some progressive detractors.
Workforce
Senate Democrats Are Pushing to Prevent Another Schedule F, As Part of the Defense Policy Bill
Two senators hope to attach the text of the Preventing a Patronage System Act to the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, following the House’s lead.
Management
Biden’s Nominee Makes His Case to Take the Government’s Top Regulatory Job
Richard Revesz gained the support of former OIRA administrators, but still has some progressive detractors.
Employee Policy
Archivist confirmation hearing turns to politics behind Mar-a-Lago search
Republicans seized on a traditionally "sleepy" confirmation process to draw attention to the National Archives and Records Administration's involvement in the FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Oversight
The Pentagon’s Watchdog Is Taking a Closer Look at Defense’s Records Management and Device Use After Missing Jan. 6 Texts
The acting inspector general shared information about the review in response to a letter from a top senator expressing concerns about handling of messages related to the Capitol insurrection.
Defense
Democrats Introduce a New Path To Protect Troops’ Abortion Access
An Defense Authorization Act amendment that would give troops the time and money to cross state lines for an abortion has 23 Democratic co-sponsors.
Employee Policy
Unions make last-ditch effort to expand bargaining rights for VA medical professionals
Labor leaders are urging lawmakers to vote to repeal a longstanding bar against negotiating over matters affecting patient care, and to hold this vote before the end of Congress’ session.
Oversight
Manchin Drops Push to Overhaul Energy Infrastructure Permitting
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin wanted to speed environmental approvals for projects like power plants and pipelines. But he couldn’t muster the votes to tie his proposal to legislation needed to keep the federal government open.
Oversight
House Republicans Slam Buttigieg Over Infrastructure Law Rollout
They say the Transportation Department is flouting Congress with how it is managing programs funded by the $1.2 trillion package.
Workforce
Unions Are Making a Last-Ditch Effort to Expand Bargaining Rights for VA Medical Professionals
Labor leaders are urging lawmakers to vote to repeal a longstanding bar against negotiating over matters affecting patient care before the end of Congress’ session.
Oversight
Archivist Confirmation Hearing Turns to Politics Behind Mar-a-Lago Search
Republicans seized on a traditionally "sleepy" confirmation process to draw attention to the National Archives and Records Administration's involvement in the FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Management
House Republicans Argue That a COVID Standard for the Health Care Industry is Unnecessary
This follows the president's comments that the pandemic is over, but there is still work to be done.
Pay
Your guide to pay and benefits during a shutdown
Although lawmakers are loath to let appropriations lapse ahead of an election, complications remain over permitting reform and other measures expected to be included in legislation to keep the government open.
Defense
US Military: Bad Publicity Is Hurting Recruiting. Lawmakers: Fix Your Problems
As services miss end-strength and accession goals, senators at personnel hearing have some blunt suggestions.
Pay & Benefits
Your Guide to Pay and Benefits During a Shutdown
Although lawmakers are loath to let appropriations lapse ahead of an election, complications remain over permitting reform and other measures expected to be included in legislation to keep the government open.
Management