Management
Bipartisan senators call for CDC oversight following firing of agency’s director
The removal of Director Susan Monarez was followed by the resignations of four other agency officials who criticized proposed funding cuts and politicization of public health.
Oversight
Watchdog warns that shortages in aviation meteorologists could endanger flight safety
While the Federal Aviation Administration and National Weather Service are negotiating an interagency agreement that will likely further reduce the meteorology workforce, the Government Accountability Office said officials haven’t appropriately considered the risks of current staffing levels.
Updated
Management
Union questions feasibility of, and intention for, relocating FAA headquarters employees
The move is part of a new Transportation Department initiative called 1DoT to overhaul agency processes, functions and infrastructure.
Management
Trump’s focus on excluding migrants from census is just one of several issues with preparations for 2030 count, experts say
Advocates criticized the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate census advisory boards and warned that government funding fights could snarl planning.
Oversight
Ex-Veterans Affairs acquisition leader broke several ethics rules at 2023 conference, watchdog finds
Investigators reported that Judith Dawson generally ignored or dismissed ethics concerns raised by an employee.
Oversight
‘I cried so many times’: Watchdog warns that agency guidance for changing employee names is lacking
While the four agencies that the Government Accountability Office analyzed generally had required procedures, nearly all employees that investigators interviewed reported issues navigating the process.
Workforce
Fired FBI officials were not afforded due process rights, agent association argues
Five agents were fired earlier this month, exacerbating concerns about politicization at the law enforcement agency.
Management
Improved emergency communication in federal buildings focus of new bipartisan legislation
Federal building security has been a longstanding concern for lawmakers and government watchdogs.
Management
Spending transparency data posted by Trump budget office after court order
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that the apportionment information must be “promptly made public.”
Management
New law aims to avoid repeat of recent scandals at Veterans Affairs
VA in 2024 paid millions in critical skill bonuses to senior executives and received nearly $3 billion in supplemental funding to address a budget shortfall that ultimately didn’t materialize.
Oversight
Good government group alleges Commerce secretary violated federal ethics law
Several government officials have run afoul of the Hatch Act in recent years for making political comments in their official capacities during media interviews.
Updated
Workforce
‘It’s just too much’: CDC employees have faced layoffs, vaccine misinformation and now — violence
A shooter who recently attacked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s headquarters was upset about the COVID-19 vaccine, police said.
Updated
Workforce
Layoffs canceled at federal contractor oversight office, but questions remain about employee reassignments
Employees at the Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs received a notice that they will get new job assignments rather than be removed from the civil service.
Workforce
Fewer Republicans view a nonpartisan civil service as essential, survey shows
The Partnership for Public Service’s survey also found that trust in the federal government increased from 23% in 2024 to 33%, driven largely by more positive views from GOP respondents.
Workforce
Trump administration cuts age limits for ICE agent recruits
The Homeland Security Department is using a recent funding infusion to hire more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with the goal of deporting more migrants.
Workforce
FBI agents would get increased whistleblower protections under bipartisan bill
The measure’s sponsor, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has previously slammed the FBI over its enforcement of existing whistleblower protections.
Workforce
At least 148,000 federal employees have left government under Trump, good government group reports
The Partnership for Public Service acknowledged that it’s difficult to track the number of civil servants who have departed because the Trump administration has not publicized much of the information.
Oversight
Veterans Affairs whistleblowers may not be getting settlement benefits due to a lack of oversight, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office warned that VA needs to do a better job of tracking whistleblower settlement agreements.
Oversight
OSC recognizes federal mine safety employees who blew the whistle about skipped inspections
The award comes as watchdog organizations have warned that Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, the agency that protects government whistleblowers, could weaken oversight.
Oversight