Management
2 days before a shutdown, House sends $460B spending package to Senate
The measure, which would require small spending cuts at many agencies, heads to the Senate.
Workforce
Biden order expands federal apprenticeships, reestablishes labor-management forums
Federal employee unions say the new order provides much-needed teeth to the president’s existing labor policies.
Management
White House stalls on digital identity mandate, despite billions in fraud
President Biden previewed an executive order in his 2022 State of the Union meant to address identity theft and fraud in public benefit programs. As Biden gears up for his 2024 address, the order still hasn’t been released.
Pay & Benefits
Will your future income rocket your Medicare premiums?
As a federal employee with FEHB, should you also take Medicare Part B at age 65? Here are a few things to consider before making the decision.
Management
VA budget bill maintains EHR funding but imposes additional ‘reset’ oversight
The bipartisan FY24 budget package allocates over $1.3 billion for the agency’s new electronic health record system but makes 25% of that funding contingent on enhanced transparency around VA’s ongoing EHR “program reset.”
Workforce
Congress' minibus spending deal could potentially avert firefighter pay cliff
Lawmakers have until Friday evening to pass the first of two spending packages that will run until Sept. 30.
Management
GSA hasn’t performed asbestos inspections at 66% of buildings requiring them, GAO says
The watchdog found that more than 600 federal buildings weren’t in compliance with GSA’s own asbestos management policy requiring facilities to be examined every five years.
Workforce
DOJ issues 'gag order' on immigration judges
Biden administration says the union representing the judges can no longer speak publicly without agency sign off.
Tech
How the procurement process can help agencies acquire responsible AI
Buying artificial intelligence is not just about setting new policies to manage emerging technology, but applying tried-and-true processes, one expert says.
Management
WIC, rental assistance get funding boost in newly unveiled spending bills
But the bipartisan proposals for six bills would cut funding to housing and transit programs.
Management
These are the 8 biggest agency and program reforms in the first FY24 spending bill
Lawmakers include budget cuts, hiring initiatives and new priorities in first of two appropriations packages.
Management
Biden administration announces new efforts to boost the nation’s housing supply
Federal officials will extend a program that has helped develop or rehabilitate nearly 12,000 affordable rental homes.
Workforce
FLRA: CBP owes backpay to officers denied nightwork premium pay
The chairwoman of the body that oversees federal sector labor issues also expressed an openness to revisiting the legal definition of repudiating a union contract.
Tech
IRS Direct File to be fully available March 12
The tool is a new way for eligible taxpayers to file directly with the IRS online for free.
Tech
FCC staff targeted in phishing attack that cloned agency login site
A cybercriminal group built a duplicate webpage used by employees to validate their login credentials.
Management
White House beefs up child care block grants
A new rule caps the total amount low-income families have to pay for child care at 7% of their income and directs states to pay child care providers more fairly and on time.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP funds gained ground in February
Only one of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program ended last month in the red.
Management
Biden taps former cabinet secretary for USPS board
The appointment would assure the president's influence on the mailing agency's governing body.
Pay & Benefits
How diverse candidates can better navigate the security clearance process
COMMENTARY | Simple steps can make the security clearance process less of a barrier to keeping diverse candidates out of government careers.
Oversight