Author Archive

Sean Michael Newhouse

Sean Michael Newhouse

Staff Reporter

Sean Michael Newhouse has been with Government Executive since 2024. He covers anything and everything, but particularly focuses on Generation Z’s entry into the federal workforce, how AI will impact agency operations as well as regulatory, contracting and government real estate policy. Previously, Sean reported on House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Sean Michael Newhouse has been with Government Executive since 2024. He covers anything and everything, but particularly focuses on Generation Z’s entry into the federal workforce, how AI will impact agency operations as well as regulatory, contracting and government real estate policy. Previously, Sean reported on House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Workforce

‘We’ll still continue to serve’: Many federal employees turn to volunteering during shutdown

Many government workers say they have also had to rely on nonprofits for assistance during the funding lapse.

Workforce

‘If you don't serve today, you can serve tomorrow’: Former feds remain hopeful about public service despite challenges under Trump

Former officials, including some pushed out by President Donald Trump, shared stories from their federal service at a National Academy of Public Administration event.

Workforce

Alleged politicization of public service student loan forgiveness sparks lawsuit against Trump administration

The Education Department published a rule that could block federal student loan borrowers who work for entities that provide assistance to migrants or trans youth from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Management

Senator argues that federal agencies should be more like Spirit Halloween, at least when it comes to real estate

While the Trump administration is prioritizing rightsizing the federal real estate portfolio, it has pared back several more aggressive efforts to offload property.

Workforce

‘It’s more important than ever’: Federal employee awards program endures in time of civil service job cuts

Two winners of the Arthur S. Flemming award who spoke to "Government Executive" emphasized the importance of agency internships as well as their own work expanding and protecting access to clean water in the U.S.

Management

Senate committee backs $1.4B FBI HQ move over Democratic protests

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the plan to move the Bureau to the Ronald Reagan Building in a party-line vote, with several legislative hurdles remaining.

Management

White House pushes agencies to deregulate faster

While President Donald Trump is pursuing a deregulatory agenda, the shutdown is likely hampering progress.

Workforce

Lawmakers decry shutdown layoffs and the Trump administration’s lack of communication about them

The House Democrats pressed for the reversals of recent reductions in force at the Education and Health and Human Services departments.

Oversight

Senate Democrats grill inspector general nominees over their independence from Trump

Lawmakers especially criticized the nomination of former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., to lead the Labor Department’s watchdog office.

Oversight

Whistleblower organizations applaud withdrawal of Trump’s ‘unfit’ nominee to lead oversight office

Media reports in recent weeks found that Paul Ingrassia, who has a history of inflammatory rhetoric, has been accused of sexual harassment and sent racist text messages.

Oversight

Trump fires another inspector general, raising fears about oversight independence

The White House did not provide a rationale for the removal, as required by law. The president has fired nearly 20 watchdogs since the start of his second term.

Management

The shutdown isn’t hitting everyone equally. Politics and geography may help explain why

Nearly half of respondents in a recent survey said that shutdown firings of federal employees would harm their communities.

Workforce

Many federal employees bring 9 months of frustrations to ‘No Kings’ protest

Removals of government workers was one of a litany of issues brought up by attendees at the anti-Trump rally.

Workforce

‘Where is this so-called efficiency?’ Current and former FEMA employees protest Trump overhauls to disaster agency

Federal Emergency Management Agency employees who publicly signed a letter criticizing the Trump administration’s changes to the agency have been on administrative leave since August.

Workforce

‘We got the people that we want paid’: FBI, military continue receiving paychecks during shutdown

Other federal law enforcement employees, including at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have not been paid due to the funding lapse.

Workforce

CDC employees sort through chaotic ‘outbreak of firings’ followed by some reversals

The Trump administration laid off more than 1,000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees ostensibly due to the government shutdown, but officials have rescinded more than half of the reduction in force notices, according to the union.

Management

Which agencies do Americans think are doing a good job?

Recent surveys have shown that how Republicans and Democrats view federal agencies has switched since Donald Trump became president again.

Management

Cabinet leaders detail how the government shutdown is impacting their agencies

President Donald Trump on Thursday reiterated his threat that he would use the appropriations lapse to justify cutting “Democrat programs.”

Management

Federal employee appeals board gets quorum after Senate confirms new member

Congressional Democrats also introduced legislation that would allow federal employees to file appeals in a civil court if the Merit Systems Protection Board is backlogged.

Workforce

Federal employees crowdsource resources to support each other during shutdown

Several nonprofits and state and local governments are offering assistance to civil servants due to the lapse in federal funding.