Transition
Union calls for reinstatement of EPA workers suspended over letter
More than 130 EPA workers were put on administrative leave over their signature of a letter that criticized Administrator Lee Zeldin’s direction for the agency.
Updated
Judge says she’s not done with RIF case just yet
After Supreme Court lifts injunction, lower court moves to examine legality of individual agency layoff plans
SSA touts service improvements, but reassignments tell a different story
Though Commissioner Frank Bisignano has heralded the addition of AI assistants to the Social Security Administration’s customer service streams, the agency is quietly reassigning field office staff to man its 1-800 number.
Updated
Federal agencies can resume mass layoffs, Supreme Court rules
Many agencies across government are expected to swiftly implement workforce cuts.
High case numbers could snarl federal employees who appeal their removals
The Merit Systems Protection Board reported that, so far this fiscal year, it has received 11,166 appeals, which is twice its typical workload. A backlog could emerge if a quorum is not restored to the agency to issue final decisions.
Breaking News
VA backs down on mass layoffs, will cut 30K through attrition only
Following significant pushback, VA is reversing course on its plan for widespread RIFs while still promising some staffing reductions.
Updated
More than 60,000 feds are still waiting for their 2025 pay raise
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision last spring to shutter a slew of advisory committees has imperiled already enacted pay raises for federal employees in blue collar jobs.
FBI to move headquarters into Reagan Building, seemingly resolving decades-long fight
Officials did not immediately respond to questions about the timeline for the move or if it would displace the Reagan Building’s current tenants.
Indeed: Job applications from feds level out after initial surge, but risks persist
The job search website also reported that major federal contractors are posting fewer openings, hurting opportunities for former civil servants looking for new work.
Following impoundments threat, new bill wants senior execs to get appropriations training, or else
Legislation from Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, seeks to ensure that select members of the executive branch get annual training on the budget process or face a possible suspension of financial decision making for their agency.
Cuts to FEMA and other agencies will lead to slow disaster response, former administrator says
“It just slows down the entire response and delays the recovery process from starting,” the previous FEMA chief said.
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Trump’s anti-union executive order has been blocked, again
A federal judge in California tailored his decision around the administration’s violations against labor groups’ First Amendment rights, avoiding thornier questions about presidential power.
National Parks scramble to fill top leadership positions, but fix could create more vacancies
The agency is also struggling to recruit staff for front-line positions as the parks hit their busiest season.
From HIV clinics to outer space: Awards program spotlights federal employees in the face of civil service headwinds
The Partnership for Public Service has put on the Service to America medals for more than two decades to recognize exceptional civil servants, but the event took on more resonance this year amid federal workforce cuts.
Most fed-targeting provisions in Senate reconciliation bill don’t pass Byrd muster
The Senate parliamentarian over the weekend found that many proposals targeting federal workers and their unions violate the Byrd rule and would require 60 votes to advance in the chamber.
OPM calls for quicker firings, more stringent performance standards
While experts agree that performance ratings in the federal government are inflated, the federal government’s HR agency’s proposal could exacerbate existing problems.
Democratic leaders slam Trump effort to transfer some Education grant programs to Labor Department
The interagency agreement between Education and Labor regarding the grant programs is paused due to an injunction that deals with reductions in force.
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Exclusive
‘Censorship:’ See the National Park visitor responses after Trump requested help deleting ‘negative’ signage
The administration asked for help erasing language on park displays that failed to emphasize American grandeur, but visitors have not identified any examples.
EEOC nominee would likely lead ‘real retreat’ from agency’s civil rights mission
Andrea Lucas is appearing before a Senate panel on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as EEOC chair. The Trump nominee wants to revisit agency guidance related to pregnancy and gender identity.
