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.
Management
Lawmakers Push a Bipartisan Effort to Protect Frontline Feds as Opioid Seizures Skyrocket
Seizures of the potentially lethal substance by federal personnel has quadrupled in the last two years.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS Plans to Close More Facilities and Repurpose Those That Remain
As Louis DeJoy seeks to implement his vision, new confirmed board members could tip the scales for USPS governance.
- Eric Katz
Management
The House Backs a Bid to Launch New Federal Offices Focused on Domestic Terrorism and Rooting Out Extremism in Government
The measure's future beyond the House is unclear as Republicans decry bureaucracy and federal overreach.
- Eric Katz
Management
Biden Says Agencies Will Be Ready for Hurricane Season. But a Watchdog Is Warning of Shortfalls
Federal responders will have what they need, president says. GAO says the government should do more to help local communities prepare.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
TSA Prepares for Busy Season Surge, but Officials Still Warn of Potential 'Train Wreck'
The agency will offer new hires up to $5,000 in bonuses and mandate overtime.
- Eric Katz
Management
Inside the Federal Government’s Mission to Explore a Sunken Civil War Battleship
"Everywhere you look, wonder and awe," the NOAA marine archaeologist leading the exploration said, previewing the first-ever livestream of the area.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Census Hired Hundreds of Thousands to Conduct Its 2020 Count. It Didn’t Vet A Lot of Them.
Applicants with major issues in background checks were allowed to work at the agency, IG says.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Appeals Board Rules That Feds Disclosing Discrimination Will Get No Whistleblower Protections
Those employees must pursue a different path, though it is one that presents unique difficulties.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
As Turnover Soars, Most VA Employees Say They Were Not Emotionally Supported During the Pandemic
Front-line staff were largely unaware of VA's offerings to support employee well-being, new survey finds.
- Eric Katz
Management
House Dems to Force a Vote on Pausing USPS' Vehicle Contract
The pressure continues to ramp up on the Postal Service to purchase more electric trucks.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS Is Promising More Severe Price Hikes Even As Revenues Grow by Nearly $1B
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy tells mailers to get used to "uncomfortable" rate increases as inflation is driving up the Postal Service's costs.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Millions of Tax Returns Are Currently Delayed Due to IRS Staff Shortages
The tax agency has hired less than 10% of the processing staff it says it needs, IG finds.
- Eric Katz
Pay & Benefits
The Forest Service Rushes to Hire Enough Firefighters Ahead of Wildfire Season
Stakeholders warn shortages again threaten the Biden's administration's approach to combatting the fires.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
State Department Says It's Rebuilding After Trump 'Decimated' It, but Will Still Fall Short on Some Key Biden Goals
State is looking to fill vacancies and budget shortfalls.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
VA Downplays Its Role at the Border Amid Backlash, But Defends Potential Deployments
Republican lawmakers say tapping VA resources to confront any crisis would harm veterans.
- Eric Katz
Oversight
Most Feds Won't Actually Be Able to Hold Partisan Office and Keep Their Day Jobs, Despite Precedent
Despite a new precedent, OSC does not plan to enter into settlement agreements in which civil servants can concurrently serve in partisan elected positions going forward.
- Eric Katz
Management
The Trump White House Altered Early Pandemic Guidance and Muzzled Career Scientists, Documents Show
White House advisors said CDC's guidance on religious services was "problematic" and "offensive."
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS Is Facing New Legal Challenges to Its Vehicle Contract and Its Authority to Increase Prices
Environmental groups and a union are suing the Postal Service over its failure to buy more electric vehicles, while mailers are fighting rate hikes.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
The Biden Administration Is Confident It Has the Staff to Handle the Expected Increase of Migrants at the Border
DHS is hiring contractors, deploying staff and engaging with other agencies, but says it will not sacrifice any part of its mission.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
The Biden Administration Is Overhauling the Hiring Process for Foreign Service Applicants
The nearly 100-year-old test will play a less significant role in selecting qualified candidates.
- Eric Katz