Oversight
Watchdog: Government Separated 'Thousands' More Children at Border Than Reported
HHS inspector general says the exact number of children to enter the department’s custody as part of family separation policy is "unknown."
Pay & Benefits
Aid for Furloughed Feds, Blended Retirement Opt-In Window Closes, and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
Judge Denies Restraining Order in Shutdown Suits, Citing Potential for 'Chaos and Confusion'
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered an expedited schedule for a full hearing in the cases, with a hearing slated for Jan. 31.
Management
Senate Republicans Hatch Plan to Prevent Future Shutdowns
Legislation introduced by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and eight other Republicans would institute automatic continuing resolutions if Congress cannot pass spending bills on time.
Pay & Benefits
Judge Consolidates Shutdown Lawsuits, Schedules Hearing This Week
Federal workers seek a restraining order that prevents agencies from forcing employees to work without pay.
Management
Lawsuits: Making Feds Work During Shutdown Violates 13th Amendment
Federal employee unions also claim the Trump administration’s efforts to maintain services despite the shutdown constitute a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act.
Management
Federal Unions Decry Government 'Lock Out' At Rally
Democratic lawmakers, federal workers demand a swift end to the partial government shutdown on its 20th day.
Management
House Approves Spending Bill With 1.9 Percent Civilian Pay Raise in Latest Attempt to Reopen Government
Measure is the first of four the House plans to take up; President Trump walked out of a meeting with congressional leadership Wednesday after Democrats declined to support his $5.7 billion border wall funding demand.
Pay & Benefits
Back Pay for Some Contractors, TSP Loosens Loan Rules and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Complicates Federal Retirement Plans for Some
Although the Office of Personnel Management’s Retirement Services division is not affected by the lapse in appropriations, retirements may be delayed by agency HR furloughs.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Workers Recount Concerns Over Transit Payments, Qualifying for Mortgages and Other Shutdown Impacts
“It’s not just about us; it’s the people we serve and what the mission is,” said one employee at a roundtable hosted by Sen. Chris Van Hollen.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Administration Delays End of Pay Freeze for Political Appointees
The salaries of the vice president, Cabinet-level officials and other political appointees were due to increase for the first time since 2013 as a result of the partial government shutdown.
News
AFGE Seeks to Correct the Record after Member Union Endorses Shutdown
"Every federal employee wants to get back to work," the union said, after National Border Patrol Council officials appeared with President Trump Thursday.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Look to Ensure Furloughed Feds Receive Back Pay When Agencies Reopen
Sponsors of the legislation, which has passed the House as part of an appropriations package, say it could deter future shutdown threats.
Pay & Benefits
Funded Agencies’ Paychecks to Go Out on Time, Despite Shutdown Impacting Largest Payroll Processor
Although the National Finance Center is partially funded through Agriculture Department appropriations, it still has enough money and staff to work through the partial government shutdown.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Workforce’s Largest Union Sues Over Unpaid Labor During Shutdown
Litigation from previous shutdowns required the government to pay damages, although payouts took years.
Pay & Benefits
Frozen Locality Pay, a Possible Pay Raise for Political Appointees and More
The appointee freeze has been lifted, but could be re-instituted in legislation set for a vote Thursday.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP Funds Take a Nosedive in December
All but two of the Thrift Savings Plan’s investment offerings ended 2018 on a sour note.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Imposes Pay Freeze on Civilian Feds for 2019
Despite seeming to waffle over the idea, President Trump will implement the first pay freeze since 2013. Congress could still override the decision.
Pay & Benefits