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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Workforce
VIDEO: Hatch Act rules for federal employees, explained
The Hatch Act restricts the political activities of federal workers.
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.
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
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.
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.
Management
GSA updates standards to advance green federal buildings
The Biden administration wants federal buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
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.
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.
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.
Oversight
IRS program to assist poor taxpayers rarely picks up the phone
TIGTA investigators were unable to leave a message at 16 local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices because their voicemail boxes were full.
Oversight
FDIC leaders let anti-harassment initiatives falter
A recent inspector general report is the latest investigation into shortcomings with the banking regulator’s sexual harassment prevention programs and policies.
Tech
Hackathon imagines federal agency websites enhanced by artificial intelligence
GSA sponsored Wednesday’s competition, which took place in Washington, D.C., New York City and Atlanta.
Workforce