Oversight
OPM slices record retirement processing time in February
The overall retirement backlog ticked back under 20,000 last month, amid the federal government’s HR agency’s busy season.
Oversight
Bill enhancing contractor whistleblower protections advances to the Senate
The bipartisan proposal would close loopholes that have left federal contractors vulnerable to retaliation.
Oversight
Lawmakers try to reform federal cybersecurity again
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee passed a FISMA modernization proposal on to the full floor on Thursday.
Oversight
VIP health system for top U.S. officials risked jeopardizing care for soldiers
Some facilities “provided access to care for executive medicine patients over active-duty military patients that had acute needs,” according to the Pentagon’s inspector general.
Management
New bill aims to bring SNAP card security up to credit card standards
Security standards for SNAP cards have not kept pace with industry advancements, lawmakers say.
Management
Biden uses State of the Union to paint Republicans as barriers
The president scolded former President Trump and House GOP lawmakers for scuttling a bipartisan plan to boost border agency staffing, and frequently touted governmental investments enacted without Republican support.
Management
Biden administration explores using Tesla-style tech in federally funded EV chargers
Most automakers have announced plans to use the industry leader’s standards, which would give them access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Pay & Benefits
Saving for retirement
Retirement planning is a lifelong learning affair and begins with the first day on the job.
Management
Key federal workforce agencies get confirmed leaders
Biden finally has confirmed heads at the primary civil service enforcement agencies.
Tech
Government facilities were third largest ransomware target in 2023, FBI says
The FBI’s IC3 findings also show government official impersonation scams are on the rise.
Management
OPM offers data guidance to help inform new federal executives website
The recent guidance details how agencies are to collect and report data to the HR agency’s new public-facing website detailing the names, roles and pay levels of thousands of federal executives.
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.
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