Oversight
Trump Objects to Pandemic Spending Oversight, But Congress and IGs Still Have Authority
“Signing statements by themselves do not really do anything,” said one expert.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Workers, Union Sue for Hazard Pay
A federal class action lawsuit argues that agencies should be required to provide hazardous duty pay to federal employees who have been exposed to the coronavirus.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Government Prepares to Send Stimulus Checks, IRS Begins Mandatory Telework for Nearly All Employees
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
In a 10-Day Span, ICE Flew This Detainee Across the Country — Nine Times
Even as the Trump administration discouraged the public from flying, Sirous Asgari was shuttled from Louisiana to Texas, New Jersey and back on chartered flights full of migrants. He still hasn’t been deported.
Management
This VA Hospital Cited 'Misleading' Data to Restrict Mask Use for Health Care Workers
Workers at a VA hospital in New Mexico have been told not to wear face masks in certain cases, even though earlier CDC guidance said masks can protect against spread of the coronavirus.
Management
The Trump Administration Is Leaving the Nation’s Emergency Backup Hospital System on the Sidelines
Leaders at the Department of Veterans Affairs say they are ready to answer the call to assist HHS or FEMA. But the call has not come.
Defense
Military Leaders Ask to Delay Budget Planning To Focus on Coronavirus, Let Staff Stay Home
But the Defense Department's No. 2 told Army, Navy, and Air Force budget planners to figure a different solution.
Oversight
EPA Science Panel Plows Ahead with Toxic Chemical’s Review, Despite Coronavirus Crisis
Under White House pressure, the EPA ordered the expert review panel to ignore the conclusions of its own scientists that the widely used solvent causes fetal heart defects.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: How to Maintain Mental Health During the Pandemic
Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez joins the podcast to explain how self-isolation can affect one's emotional state– and how to stave off the problems inherent in isolation.
Tech
How to Survive Pandemic Re-entry
Astronauts have given us some useful tips for surviving isolation, but we’ll need more to weather a pandemic.
Management
Try These Tips to Keep Your Cool at Home
Here are a range of expert tips and resources to reduce stress as we adjust to a new normal. For example, how on earth do we parent through a pandemic?
Management
With Coronavirus Cases Spiking, VA Struggles to Protect Employees and Screen Patients
Report finds testing, equipment and staffing shortfalls at VA facilities around the country.
Management
Immigration Services Agency Seeks to Suspend Bargaining With Union Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although the agency already is allowed to implement workplace changes because of the national health emergency, officials now want to skip post-implementation bargaining as well.
Workforce
Trump Administration Launches Coronavirus Surge Response Program
Federal employees can apply for temporary assignments to help with the pandemic response.
Management
House Sends Stimulus Package to Trump, Without Federal Workforce Provisions It Had Pushed
Agencies will receive $340B, helping to boost hiring, telework and office cleaning.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Government to Issue New Guidance Based on Regional Risks
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Internal Emails Show How Chaos at the CDC Slowed the Early Response to Coronavirus
The CDC fumbled its communication with public health officials and underestimated the threat of the coronavirus even as it gained a foothold in the United States, according to hundreds of pages of documents ProPublica obtained.
Management
As Coronavirus Infections Spread, So Have Clashes Between ICE Detainees and Guards
At ICE detention camps across the country, unrest is growing as detainees warn that dirty conditions and a disturbing lack of soap and other supplies could allow coronavirus to run rampant.
Management
The Four Possible Timelines for Life Returning to Normal
The coronavirus outbreak may last for a year or two, but some elements of pre-pandemic life will likely be won back in the meantime.
Oversight