Management
Abbott Tells Trump Administration Texas Won't Participate in Refugee Resettlement
The decision comes after more than 40 other governors said they would opt in to the federal program.
Oversight
Good Government Groups Push for Nonpartisan Panel to Find FEC Commissioners
They wrote to the White House and Senate leadership on Monday urging the speedy restoration of a quorum and then a panel to help fill the remaining seats.
Defense
Trump, like Obama, Tests the Limits of Presidential War Powers
Both President Trump and President Obama used military force without informing Congress, or getting its approval. But the differences reveal more than the similarities.
Oversight
House Passes War Powers Resolution to Limit War With Iran
The measure is legally toothless, but could still have some political impact.
Defense
U.S., Iran Back Away From Conflict—For Now
The crisis appears to be cooling, at least for now, as U.S. lawmakers — and presumably the president — return their focus to the looming impeachment trial in the Senate.
Oversight
House Lawmakers Issue ‘Ultimatum’ to GSA Over Trump Hotel Records Subpoena
GSA disputes the lawmakers’ allegations of noncompliance.
Management
Trump Objects to Certain Transparency Requirements of 2020 Spending and Policy Bills
The provisions he opposes are for both public and classified matters.
Management
Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Deregulation Plan
Plaintiffs challenged an executive order requiring agencies to eliminate two regulations for every new one they introduce.
Defense
How Donald Trump’s Daring Diplomacy With Kim Jong Un Fell Apart
When it comes to America’s last-ditch effort to prevent North Korea from becoming a nuclear power, timing has been everything. Now time’s running out.
Oversight
And Now Over to You, John Roberts
The chief justice has as his task to preside over the senate trial ahead. But his role is a limited one, and he should be able to manage it easily without putting his or the Court’s legitimacy at risk.
Oversight
Trump Becomes the Third President in U.S. History to Be Impeached
The voted capped a two-month investigation, but it was years in the making.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Issues Guidance on Christmas Eve Closure
Most federal workers will receive their usual basic pay.
Pay & Benefits
In Surprise Move, Trump Gives Federal Employees Christmas Eve Off
The move splits from most recent precedent when Christmas fell on a Wednesday.
Management
Congress Will Not Block Mandated Union Contracts in Spending Bill
In a blow to labor groups, a provision blocking the implementation of collective bargaining agreements that have not been “mutually agreed to” by all parties does not appear in the final spending legislation.
Pay & Benefits
Bipartisan Spending Deal Includes Average 3.1% Pay Raise for Federal Workers in 2020
Congressional negotiators agreed to use language advocated by Democrats to provide an across-the-board 2.6% pay increase to federal civilian employees, along with an average 0.5% boost in locality pay.
Oversight
Defense IG Will Review Recent $400 Million Border Wall Contract
Key House lawmaker asked for the review, citing possible improper influence by the Trump administration.
Pay & Benefits
All the Federal Workforce Provisions Tucked into the Defense Policy Bill
In addition to providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave, the authorization act offers additional shutdown protections for feds and codifies the federal “ban the box” policy in hiring.
Pay & Benefits
White House, Democrats Reach Deal to Provide Paid Family Leave to Feds
A tentative agreement on the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would provide all federal employees with 12 weeks of paid family leave each year.
Oversight
Analysis: Courts Have Avoided Refereeing Between Congress and the President, but Trump May Force Them to Wade In
President Trump refuses to provide information to lawmakers in the impeachment inquiry. But courts have been reluctant to take such cases for fear of upsetting the government's balance of power.
Management