Management
OPM Proposes Legislation to Clarify Probationary Periods, Expand Hiring Eligibility
The federal government’s HR agency also hopes to remove a cap on interns at federal agencies.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Advances Bills to Protect Feds’ Insurance During Shutdowns
Legislation would ensure that workers can adjust health benefits following significant life events and prevent their dental, vision and long-term care coverage from lapsing.
Management
Kansas City Region Will Host Relocated Agriculture Offices
Local lawmakers welcome Secretary Perdue’s choice in still-disputed moves out of Washington, D.C.
Defense
House Democrats Want To Ban Sending New Prisoners To Gitmo
President Trump has vowed to keep the facility open, promising on the campaign trail to fill it up with “bad dudes.”
Management
Congress Scraps Provision to Restrict IRS From Competing With TurboTax
The change comes after ProPublica highlighted the deceptive marketing practices of Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, and other major tax prep companies.
Management
Labor Authority Chairwoman Defends Decisions to Decertify Union, Close Regional Offices
Democratic lawmakers blasted decisions that overturned decades of agency precedent, and suggested Federal Labor Relations Authority Chairwoman Colleen Duffy Kiko was untruthful in her testimony.
Management
Democrats Set Up Another Spending Fight By Proposing Not to Fund Border Wall or Agents
House spending bill would allow for hiring elsewhere in the Homeland Security Department.
Oversight
Incoming and Outgoing Congressional Budget Office Chiefs Praise Staff for Independence
Agency’s culture is “fearless” in producing scores and not worrying about the political consequences, outgoing director Keith Hall says.
Oversight
The Big Names Missing From the Mueller Hearings
The star witness of the House Judiciary Committee’s hearings on the Mueller report won’t be Robert Mueller.
Defense
Space Force Clears Senate Committee After House Attempt to Stall
The Senate Armed Services Committee’s legislation “greatly increases the odds that we end up with some sort of a Space Force,” one expert says.
Management
Senators Introduce Bill to Block USDA Research Agency Moves
The measure mirrors language in the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal 2020 funding bill for the department, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., has placed a hold on a key nominee.
Oversight
Senators Renew Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Federal Retirees from Benefits Fraud
Bill approved by Senate oversight panel would make it a felony for retiree representatives to misuse FERS or CSRS funds.
Management
OPM-GSA Merger Proposal Falls Flat With House Oversight Panel
Lawmakers and witnesses say the plan isn't well thought-out and risks eroding merit system protections.
Management
Viewpoint: What Congress Can Do When Trump Appointees Defy It
When federal officials ignore subpoenas, imposing a fine is the legislative branch’s best hope of getting the information it needs.
Defense
House Democrats Hope to Curb Diversions of Pentagon Spending to Border Wall
Armed Services members’ bill targets Defense Department construction fund transfers.
Oversight
Democrats Critical of President Trump's Supplemental Budget Request
Letter to House Speaker Pelosi seeks movement of funds for homeland security, moon launch.
Management
Pentagon Parts Contractor Draws Bipartisan Outrage Over Pricing
Sen. Grassley asks acting Defense chief for action on overcharges exposed by watchdog.
Management
Senate Panel Advances OPM Director Nominee Despite Questions About Her Leadership
Dale Cabaniss’s nomination to lead the federal government’s HR agency was approved mostly along party lines.
Management
Ex-Im Bank Swears in Leader with New Quorum
Senate vote on Wednesday ended three years of limited operability.
Management