Defense
Army Leaders Have Agreed to Cap Troop Size, Top General Says
Gen. McConville and the acting secretary have agreed the force will not grow past 485,000 active-duty soldiers next year. But can they keep it from shrinking?
Workforce
FEC Recommends Top Leaders Be Eligible for Senior Executive Service
The Senior Executive Association’s initial review says the proposal “makes sense on its face.”
Management
House Panel Advances Legislation to Expand VA Medical Employee Bargaining Rights
The VA Employee Fairness Act would grant medical professionals the right to bargain over scheduling and official time, and to file grievances over pay disputes.
Management
Secret Service Director Calls for More Staffing, Retention and Cybersecurity Funding
The director thanked employees for their hard work and resilience over the past year.
Defense
‘A Lot of Risk’ in Army’s Proposed 2022 Budget, Service Leaders Say
As details remain under wraps, lawmakers fret about possible cuts.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Implements Paid COVID Leave for Feds, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Defense
What's In Biden’s First Budget? And How Late Will It Be?
The White House could submit its defense budget request later than any administration in at least a century.
Management
Lawmakers Call on Biden to Move Forward on New FBI Headquarters
The years-long plan was upended by the Trump administration.
Defense
New Fort Hood Report May Help Change Sexual Assault Prosecutions
Spc. Vanessa Guillén’s sexual harassment was reported by three soldiers. Command failed to act.
Oversight
Bipartisan Group of Senators Push for Trade Office IG
Nearly every other Cabinet-level agency has an inspector general.
Management
Lawmakers Renew Efforts to Protect Animals in Government Labs
Bipartisan legislation builds on current policies at the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health.
Defense
Pelosi: Milley ‘Doesn’t Know the Full Picture’ of Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
House speaker says Trump administration delayed military assistance to lawmakers.
Management
Senate Confirms OMB Deputy Director for Management
The Senate voted 81-13 in favor of Jason Miller.
Management
Are Reforms to the Federal Vacancies Act Still Needed Under President Biden?
Experts say “yes.” A House lawmaker plans to reintroduce a bill soon to make improvements.
Management
Bipartisan Lawmakers Launch Caucus to Simplify and Strengthen Federal Construction Procurement
“Our federal contractors need members of Congress to promote sensible reforms,” said the co-chairs.
Oversight
IGs Cite ‘Serious Challenges’ Regarding Political Retaliation and Independence
Lawmakers weigh the need for new laws in the wake of former President Trump’s unprecedented attacks on federal watchdogs.
Pay & Benefits
Bill to Expand Paid Family Leave Benefits for Feds Introduced in Senate
Measure would grant federal workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for illnesses and other situations not covered under 2019 parental leave law.
Management
Bipartisan Bill Seeks Broader Input, More Specifics As Agencies Craft Performance Goals
Agencies should consult with more top leaders before issuing their performance plans, lawmakers say.
Management
Senator Seeks to Ban Nonexistent 'Meatless Monday' Policy at Agencies
USDA in 2012 briefly encouraged employees to eat vegetarian once a week on a voluntary basis, but its cafeterias never stopped offering meat, and they are currently closed due to the pandemic.
Defense