Author Archive

Sean Michael Newhouse

Sean Michael Newhouse

Staff Reporter

Before joining Government Executive in 2024, Sean Michael Newhouse covered House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. There, he covered a wide range of issues but took a particular interest in technology policy. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Before joining Government Executive in 2024, Sean Michael Newhouse covered House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. There, he covered a wide range of issues but took a particular interest in technology policy. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Management

Could Biden’s recent strategy to streamline government hiring be scuttled under Trump?

One of the purposes of the administration’s federal hiring improvement plan is to make agencies aware of hiring tools they already have access to.

Management

House committee piles on criticism of DeJoy’s postal overhaul plans

USPS’ inspector general said there hasn’t yet been improvements to service timeliness and reliability.

Workforce

Federal workforce is generally more diverse than the U.S. population, but gaps persist

EEO complaints filed by federal employees continued to decline from their fiscal 2018 height, sliding to 12,200 in fiscal 2021.

Oversight

OSC questions agencies’ findings from a pair of whistleblower investigations

A CBP whistleblower alleged officials stopped an air unit from performing potentially life-saving missions, while an individual from the FAA accused officials at Detroit’s airport of inadequately safeguarding landings.

Management

New data shows why it's taking the Senate longer to confirm presidential appointees

President-elect Trump is already pressuring senators to let him bypass, under certain conditions, the Senate’s oftentimes lengthy confirmation process for appointees.

Oversight

Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog

It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.

Oversight

GAO saved the federal government $67.5 billion in fiscal 2024

The watchdog’s open recommendations could be a foundation for the new Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Updated Management

Extraordinary senior executives receive presidential rank award

The selective honor comes with a cash award that is up to 35% of the recipient’s annual basic pay.

Management

Trump’s Education nominee would bring past government experience to the role

While she’s known for being the president and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, Linda McMahon is not a newcomer to the federal government.

Oversight

Marjorie Taylor Greene to head new government efficiency subcommittee

The panel will work closely with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s advisory Department of Government Efficiency.

Management

Immigration enforcement agents see Trump’s border czar as one of their own

Tom Homan spent more than 30 years as a federal law enforcement officer, ultimately becoming the leader of ICE.

Oversight

Intelligence IGs head for the exit before Trump’s return

Trump fired five inspectors general during his first administration.

Oversight

Senator wants info on inspectors general office sexual harassment settlements

Grassley wrote that whistleblowers informed his office that the financial agreements required complainants to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Management

Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best

The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.

Pay & Benefits

Feds in 2024 made almost a quarter less than their private sector peers

The Federal Salary Council, which reported the disparity, also recommended creating new locality pay areas in Kennewick-Richland-Walla Walla, Wash., and Syracuse-Auburn, N.Y.

Workforce

New Senate majority leader ‘excited’ to ‘dismantle federal bureaucracy’

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., also said that he is open to allowing recess appointments, which could let Trump bypass the Senate for certain nominees.

Oversight

Oversight of contract security guards at federal buildings is lacking, OIG says

In one notable example from a recent report, a guard at a federal facility told a visitor to place their firearm in a bush to access the building.

Updated Management

Who has Trump picked to serve in his Cabinet?

These individuals will hold huge sway in enacting the president-elect’s policies toward federal employees.