Management
Experts say Trump inflated his deregulation numbers, but his process changes are here to stay
The president has made several changes to the rulemaking process, including added White House scrutiny of certain regulations and exceptions to some time-consuming steps.
Workforce
Top Oversight Dem criticizes OPM’s forced distribution plan for federal worker appraisals
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., said that the federal government’s dedicated HR agency failed to sufficiently grapple with past OPM policy or the wealth of research finding that forced distribution models for performance appraisals is counterproductive to organizational health.
Tech
White House releases regulatory vision for AI
The framework includes seven AI policy recommendations for Congress that attempt to balance consumer protections with advancing AI development.
Workforce
OPM formally proposes limiting top performance ratings for federal workers
The plan to institute a forced or “standardized” distribution of performance ratings upon the federal workforce has survived mostly unchanged from a December draft that drew near universal criticism from agency officials in internal deliberations last month.
Workforce
Agencies internally pan OPM’s bid to overhaul federal performance management
At the White House’s request, the federal government’s dedicated HR agency has updated its proposal limiting how many employees agencies can rate as above average to narrow the methods by which federal workers can challenge a perceived unfair rating.
Tech
Government by AI? Trump administration plans to write regulations using artificial intelligence
The Transportation Department, which oversees the safety of airplanes, cars and pipelines, plans to use Google Gemini to draft new regulations. “We don’t need the perfect rule,” said DOT’s top lawyer. “We want good enough.”
Exclusive
Management
Trump to limit top ratings for all feds and consolidate scoring in forthcoming rule
Though the forced distribution of performance ratings is “categorically prohibited” under current rules, federal agencies already appear to be adopting the system, before the proposal has even been announced.
Management
New federal student debt rule seen as tool to enforce Trump agenda
A new Trump administration rule, set to take effect in July, restricting eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program has drawn multiple lawsuits.
Management
Democrats try again to reestablish legal deference to agencies on regulations
The bicameral bill also seeks to limit the ability of businesses to influence the rulemaking process.
Management
White House pushes agencies to deregulate faster
While President Donald Trump is pursuing a deregulatory agenda, the shutdown is likely hampering progress.
Updated
Management
Here’s how Trump’s planned regulations could impact federal employees
The president’s regulatory preview indicates how officials plan to follow his deregulatory directives.
Pay & Benefits
New Education rule could end public service loan forgiveness for some and open a wealth of questions
The proposed rule would exclude employers from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program if they engage in “activities that have a substantial illegal purpose,” but raises even more questions for the program.
Management
Politicizing the federal grantmaking process
COMMENTARY | The Trump administration's new approach to federal grantmaking oversight runs the risk of becoming enmeshed in fresh red tape.
Management
FAR Council releases changes to 6 sections of acquisition regulation
The White House celebrated the changes as a milestone in its effort to overhaul and simplify the rules surrounding federal buying.
Management
Artificial intelligence could supercharge Trump’s deregulatory push, but experts flag shortfalls
While noting AI’s benefits, speakers at a Tuesday event argued that an overreliance on the technology while developing regulations could lead to poor decisionmaking and legal challenges.
Workforce
Trump administration debuts permitting modernization plan, even as staff cuts could jeopardize it
The new plan builds on Biden-era work, but how implementation goes during Trump-era workforce reductions remains to be seen.
Management
Push to revoke certain Biden-era rules intensifies as congressional Republicans race against deadline
EPA waivers are being targeted for removal, even though the Government Accountability Office as well as an official who advises on Senate rules said they are exempt from the Congressional Review Act.
Management
The concern over enforcing the Federal Clery Act without the U.S. Department of Education
COMMENTARY | Dismantling the Department of Education is a multi-faceted challenge with potentially dire consequences for public safety in our universities.
Tech
Trump builds on Biden efforts to modernize permitting technology
While many praised the effort as common-sense, workforce cuts across government, as well as the administration’s deregulatory efforts, have raised questions about implementation.
Management