Author Archive
Eric Katz
Senior Correspondent
Eric Katz writes about federal agency operations and management. His deep coverage of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Postal Service has earned him frequent guest spots on national radio and television news programs. Eric joined Government Executive in the summer of 2012 and previously worked for The Financial Times. He is a graduate of The George Washington University.
Eric Katz writes about federal agency operations and management. His deep coverage of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Postal Service has earned him frequent guest spots on national radio and television news programs. Eric joined Government Executive in the summer of 2012 and previously worked for The Financial Times. He is a graduate of The George Washington University.
Workforce
State Dept. employees praise Biden administration for encouraging dissent
The administration has faced some criticism for censoring employee speech related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, but staff say internal channels are open for disagreement.
- Eric Katz
Management
Biden administration boasts it’s including more public input into agency rulemaking
Agencies hope to solicit more perspectives and boost trust in government.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Biden, Democrats push for DHS hiring spree despite failed supplemental vote
Republicans block measure with aid to Ukraine and Israel, as well as billions of dollars for massive DHS hiring.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
VA is putting veterans at risk by improperly screening employees, watchdogs warn
The department does not have a good explanation for why the shortfalls occurred, officials say.
- Eric Katz
Management
Mail delays spike during USPS' busiest season
The Postal Service is delivering mail on time at its lowest rate since mid-2021.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
From holiday parties to gifts, ethics czar warns feds to stay cautious during holiday season
Be careful before accepting that glass of wine at your next holiday party.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Guidance spells out when and how feds can discuss the Israel-Hamas war
Federal employees face some restrictions, but can discuss their opinions on the conflict at the office without violating the law.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Senate takes first steps to refill federal workforce watchdog roles
At the civil service appeals agency, parts of the workforce are voicing frustration with current leadership.
- Eric Katz
Management
Supreme Court appears ready to deal another blow to federal agencies' administrative powers
While such a ruling could radically alter agencies' regulatory authorities, Chief Justice John Roberts said the government's argument "undermines the whole point of constitutional protection."
- Eric Katz
Oversight
Federal watchdog launches probe into agency leadership that allegedly allowed widespread harassment to fester
Congressional committees and the agency itself is already conducting investigations into the alleged toxic workplace.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS acknowledges some risks to its new, less-staffed holiday season approach
The Postal Service is cutting its seasonal hiring by nearly two-thirds.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Reports of agency’s toxic workplace and widespread harassment lead to bipartisan calls for investigations
Many women say they had to quit due to the workplace culture.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS looks to raise rates for packages, too
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy continues an aggressive pricing strategy despite concerns over volume losses.
- Eric Katz
Management
VA hopeful boosted staffing can help reduce rising veteran suicides
With the number of veteran suicides climbing in 2021, the department continues to deploy resources and recruit mental health professionals to help provide care.
- Eric Katz
Management
Congress averts shutdown after Senate approves two-tiered CR
President Biden is expected to sign the measure to keep agencies funded past Friday.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Overtime, staffing shortages and shutdowns to blame for recent air safety issues, panel finds
A task force is calling on FAA to "urgently" address its staffing issues to avoid further risks to the flying public.
- Eric Katz
Management
House passes two-tiered stopgap bill days before shutdown
The novel approach to avert a funding lapse now heads to the Senate.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS loses $6.5B in FY2023 and says another year in the red is coming
The losses come despite postal management initially projecting it would break even for the year.
- Eric Katz
Management
House punts effort to impeach Biden cabinet secretary
Some Republicans joined Democrats to postpone the exceedingly rare effort.
- Eric Katz
Management
House GOP floats telework restrictions, drastic spending cuts as Congress weighs options to avert shutdown
House and Senate have diverging plans to temporarily keep agencies afloat as Republicans propose budget rescissions and civilian job reductions.
- Eric Katz