Workforce
GOP presidential candidate promises ‘large-scale, mass layoffs’ across government
Republican hopeful pledges to eliminate 1.5M federal jobs in first term.
Defense
DOD lag on enacting business system recommendations may slow clean audit, GAO says
The Defense Department has still yet to fully implement 18 recommendations that the watchdog said could facilitate the decades-long pursuit of completing an enterprisewide audit.
Workforce
Senate confirms deputy secretary at VA
Tanya Bradsher takes over as the top official tasked with managing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ troubled electronic health record project.
Oversight
Pandemic unemployment fraud as high as $135B, watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office's new estimate underscores the urgency of modernizing state-based unemployment insurance systems.
Pay & Benefits
Come again? Political scientist sees shutdown as 'likely'— and feds need to get ready
With days left until funding for the federal government expires, some political experts foresee not only a shutdown, but possibly a long one, with an interruption in pay likely
Workforce
EEOC: ‘Ban the box’ policies are effective at federal agencies, but the government needs to raise awareness
In instances where a federal job applicant had a criminal record, the background check process only ruled them out over past criminal conduct 2% of the time, but many may still see their past as a barrier to joining the federal workforce.
Management
USPS rejects regulator’s budget request, leaving watchdog to fear for its independence
The Postal Service has provided a small budget increase to its regulatory commission, but extends its feud with the watchdog by declining to provide the funds it says it needs to meet demands.
Defense
Budget delays could ‘slow roll’ Air Force’s digital infrastructure plans
In early 2024, the service plans to launch cloud-based command and control technologies in three undisclosed locations.
Oversight
Efforts grow to undercut prosecutors’ authority
COMMENTARY | Some Republican lawmakers in Georgia are looking to remove District Attorney Fani Willis, a Black Democrat representing a majority Black district, from office. The effort in Georgia is not happening in a silo.
Oversight
House Speaker McCarthy tells committees to launch Biden impeachment probe
"I do not make this decision lightly," the California Republican told reporters Tuesday. It’s unclear if he has 218 votes for the House to launch a probe.
Oversight
State Dept. looks to AI for declassification, FOIA processing
The agency’s enterprise AI strategy is expected next month.
Oversight
AI is part of a 'new era' at IRS, commissioner says
The tax agency announced the expansion of work to use AI in how it goes after large partnerships.
Workforce
If Sen. Ernst thinks veterans are fraudsters, she couldn't be more wrong
COMMENTARY | Criticism regarding potential inefficiencies or shortcomings in teleworking policies should be directed at the policy or system, not the workers who operate within the guidelines provided, writes one veteran.
Management
Path to averting a shutdown remains elusive as Senate looks to pass first FY24 spending bills
The upper chamber has bipartisan support for many of its funding measures and will look to put pressure on the divided House.
Defense
Uncertainty at the top blurs Marine Corps’ work on 2025 budget
Like the Army and Navy, the Corps is without a confirmed chief, thanks to a GOP senator’s hold.
Workforce
Amid shutdown anxiety, federal agencies are running up against an IT security deadline
While budget negotiations play out on Capitol Hill, federal agency CIOs are also on the clock to ensure the bulk of their information technology is reported through the CDM program.
Management
The CDC faces a dilemma over recommending a new COVID booster for all
Some in the scientific community argue the government should be recommending the shot only for frail, older, sick, and immunocompromised people.
Defense
The Navy is drowning in data it doesn’t know what to do with
The service’s principal cyber advisor got candid about data struggles as it looks to adopt AI in operational plans.
Oversight
HHS looks to improve cybersecurity coordination
The agency is utilizing a relaunched cybersecurity coordination center and additional programs to significantly ramp up interactions with key partners, a top official said.
Management