Author Archive
Management
Agency leaders back GSA bid for full access to federal building repair funds
Officials argued that GSA’s deferred maintenance backlog has increased to an estimated $26 billion, in part, because Congress puts annual restrictions on amounts the agency can spend from the Federal Buildings Fund.
Oversight
Agency partnerships are a potential financial lifeline for USPS, watchdog reports
Some of the inspector general’s suggestions included providing biometric services at more locations and working with state and local governments.
Management
Survey: Feds were less engaged, less satisfied and more burnt out in 2025
But quarterly federal employee workplace scores generally showed improvements by the end of last year and the beginning of 2026.
Oversight
Newest inspector general nominees show shift from overtly political backgrounds
At least two of the president’s three most recent IG nominees have experience working in an IG office.
Management
HHS to start Schedule P/C conversions while withholding details on new RIFs
Hundreds of GS-15s are being converted to the controversial job classification that strips civil service protections.
Management
FEMA is not ready for hurricane season due to Trump upheaval, House Democrats argue
The administration has recently reinstated some disaster staffers to promote readiness.
Oversight
VA security personnel aren’t detecting knives or booze, according to a watchdog report assessing medical facility security
The Government Accountability Office highlighted that there are staffing shortages among VA police, but department officials say they have taken steps to address the issue.
Workforce
‘Sermonizing’ Easter email prompts USDA employees to sue agency
In response to the lawsuit, the department said, “we will keep the plaintiffs in our prayers.”
Oversight
Watchdog recommends nearly 100 ways for agencies to save tens of billions
Agencies have implemented a majority of previous Government Accountability Office recommendations regarding duplicative federal programs, generating almost $775 billion in financial benefits.
Management
‘This will cost lives’: Researchers slam Trump cuts to addiction programs and staffing
The Addiction Science Defense Network in a new report criticized several reforms at the Health and Human Services Department, including the elimination of a program that collected information on hospital visits across the country related to substance use trends.
Workforce
A USDA cow scientist won an award for helping dairy farmers produce more milk. He’s worried about the future of government research under Trump
The Partnership for Public Service, which runs an annual awards program for federal employees, recognized fewer civil servants this year as a result of fewer agencies participating.
Workforce
‘Highly problematic for a thousand reasons’: NIH employees criticize Trump-era requirement to scrutinize grants with words related to diversity
One staffer said that officials are employing more systematic methods to pinpoint NIH-funded research that the administration may object to, but that the additional reviews are time-consuming and lack transparency.
Tech
Agency leader says AI is helping resource-strained workforce identify more fraud
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services official also said the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud in government are enabling her to “push the needle” with using the technology.
Management
Easing USPS handgun shipping rules will exacerbate crime, warns Democrat
Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., is challenging the Postal Service’s plan to treat handguns like rifles and shotguns.
Management
Contracting association warns it could take DHS until the end of the year to ‘get back on track’ following record-breaking shutdown
The Professional Services Council also reported that several contracting companies faced the threat of closure due to missed reimbursements from the government as a result of the funding lapse.
Workforce
Coast Guard officer promotion advanced by Senate Republicans despite IG finding of whistleblower retaliation
Commander Jesse Millard was approved in committee on a party-line vote, despite Senate Democrats demanding that his promotion be withdrawn.
Management
Career agent confirmed to lead ATF despite GOP’s past push for the agency’s elimination
New Director Robert Cekada testified that the Trump administration wants to increase the number of officers at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which some Republicans have previously proposed to abolish.
Management
IRS whistleblower program set for possible overhaul after bipartisan House vote
The measure would reshape how claims move through the system, how court reviews are handled and how payments are ultimately made. Over its history, the program has recovered about $7.5 billion.
Management
Former civil servants aim to shape policy as members of Congress
Dozens of federal employees who left or were pushed out of government in 2025 are now running for office.
Management
Fed employee appeals system independence at stake in new Supreme Court brief
The high court has heard arguments in a similar case regarding the president’s authority to remove members of quasi-judicial agencies.
