Management

Senate Committee Advances Paul Ray’s Nomination to Be Regulations Czar  

Panel votes 8-4 to send the nomination to the full Senate.

Workforce

Survey: Less Than Half of Feds Would Keep Their Jobs if Offered a Similar Position Elsewhere

Only 38% of respondents said they trust their executive leadership.

Oversight

Special Counsel Alerts White House and Congress of ‘Significant Financial Mismanagement’ at VA

Findings include over $223 million in wasteful spending and delayed payments for veterans’ medical bills.

Management

Experts Praise New Acquisition Workforce Training Requirements

The “significant” provisions will align the public and private sectors, said one.

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. 

Workforce

Survey: Feds Are Concerned About Bills and Holiday Plans With Looming Shutdown

Respondents reported fears of paying bills and holiday plan disruptions. 

Oversight

Federal Aviation Administration Will Reconsider Agency’s Oversight of Boeing

“I witnessed a factory in chaos,” a former Boeing facility manager told lawmakers.

Defense

Defense Policy Bill Establishes a Defense Civilian Training Corps

The corps will address “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.

Workforce

Maryland Senator Says President is the 'Wild Card' in Spending Negotiations 

While Democrats and Republicans negotiate on appropriations, it’s unclear how the president will react. 

Management

Former Fed Chairman and Public Service Champion Paul Volcker Dies at 92

His career spanned five decades and seven presidents. 

Management

Senate Committee Considers Trump’s Deregulation Crusader for Top Regulatory Role

At the same time, one of the administration's key initiatives to cut red tape is being challenged in court.

Management

Pentagon 'Start-up' Opens Its First Satellite Office

The Defense Digital Service gathers top talent to work on technological projects.

Oversight

Key House Lawmaker Calls for Review of $400 Million Border Wall Contract

Federal officials had previously rejected Fisher Sand and Gravel's offerings, but President Trump is a fan of the company.

Oversight

IG Says It Is Helping Return As Much As $5.9 Billion to the Government 

The anticipated recoveries of misspent health program dollars would be the result of the HHS watchdog's work in fiscal 2019.

Oversight

Senator Questions Spending on Sea Lion Grants, Shutdowns and More 

Annual report identifies “wasteful” federal spending as well as solutions. 

Pay & Benefits

Feds Are Unlikely to Get Christmas Eve Off This Year

Presidents do not typically grant extra vacation time when Christmas falls on a Wednesday.

Workforce

Federal Correctional Officer Suicides Sound Alarms at Bureau Of Prisons

Staffing levels are another major issue for the agency.

Oversight

Intel and Defense IGs Reaffirm Commitment to Protecting Whistleblowers During 'Searing Time'

“Time will tell whether whistleblowers’ rights and protections will emerge from this period with the same legal, ethical, and moral strength they had previously,” one watchdog wrote.

Oversight

Maloney Takes On Oversight Committee Chairmanship at a Critical Time

“It’s an incredibly difficult time to forecast the role of oversight on Capitol Hill,” says one expert.

Oversight

Presidential Candidate Klobuchar Would Reform Election-Related Agencies

The Democratic senator and 2020 contender has been an election reform advocate in Congress and the few times the topic has come up during the primary debates.