Author Archive
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.
Workforce
VIDEO: More Hatch Act rules for federal employees, explained
The Hatch Act restricts the political activities of federal workers.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Republicans criticize EEOC over nixed one-day furlough
The agency said that no additional funding and a high pay increase for federal employees helped create its budget shortfall, but GOP leaders called it a failure to adjust spending.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
GAO wants new Secret Service training plan after Trump assassination attempt
The watchdog recommended the agency implement new training goals for agents in the Presidential Protective Division after a gunman attempted to assassinate Donald Trump in July.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Both Harris and Trump are historically behind on presidential transition planning
GSA is beginning to provide office space and information technology support to the candidates, who have both just recently named the heads of their transition teams.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Military does not collect comprehensive data on its job program for departing service members
The SkillBridge program allows service members who are transitioning to civilian life within 180 days to participate in job and employment training.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Pay & Benefits
Senator says rule to stem Head Start employee turnover could bar children from early education
The HHS rule would require wage and benefit increases for Head Start staff, but Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., claimed the proposed changes would reduce funded, if vacant, slots in the education program.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Republicans ask for an update on Havana syndrome treatment
GAO recently issued a report that found many federal employee patients experienced challenges accessing care.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Americans mostly like federal agencies, but there’s a partisan gap
A research nonprofit found that Republicans surveyed were more likely to have more negative views of several agencies than in the past.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Watchdog urges OMB to prioritize implementation of anti-fraud recommendations
GAO updated the budget agency on the 172 recommendations that it has not completed.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
EEOC averts the threat of a one-day furlough
Chair Charlotte Burrows said in a statement that the agency found enough savings to avoid furloughing employees on Aug. 30.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Several House Democrats urge USPS to implement heat safety protections for workers
The Biden administration in July issued a proposed rule to protect employees working in extreme heat, but more than 70 members of Congress want the USPS to implement those protections before the rule goes into effect.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
VIDEO: Hatch Act rules for federal employees, explained
The Hatch Act restricts the political activities of federal workers.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
National Park Service’s IRA hiring surge could fail ahead of funding deadline
While the legislation gave hundreds of millions to NPS for hiring, it didn’t grant new hiring flexibilities, which the Interior Department inspector general reports is hampering progress.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
‘Bee doctors’ work to prevent colony collapse nets public service award
The work of two scientists from the Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Research Service to find new methods to diagnose and treat pathogens affecting bee health helped earn them the Service to America’s People’s Choice Award
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Updated
Management
Customs and Border Protection settles a $45M lawsuit alleging discrimination against pregnant employees
Plaintiffs said the agency required them to enter temporary light duty status after becoming pregnant, as opposed to giving them the option.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
EEOC workers could be furloughed for one day due to budget shortfall
No additional funding and a high pay increase for federal employees helped create the agency’s financial conundrum.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
GSA updates standards to advance green federal buildings
The Biden administration wants federal buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Whistleblower hearing spotlights Coast Guard handling of sexual misconduct
Congressional investigations into sexual assault and harassment in the military branch began after a media report found the Coast Guard Academy covered up misconduct.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Agencies have only completed about half of GAO’s COVID-19 recommendations
Many of the open recommendations deal with matters on GAO’s high risk list.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
News
Here's new Democratic VP pick Walz's record on civil service issues
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz previously served in the House of Representatives for a dozen years where he became the top Democrat on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
- Sean Michael Newhouse