Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: OMB Looks at Post-Pandemic Work; FDA Greenlights Another COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
No Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated Feds on Official Travel
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force released new guidance for employees.
Management
What I Learned Helping Lead Oversight of $5 Trillion in Pandemic Relief
Large scale identity theft-based fraud in unemployment assistance stunned many, even those who fight fraud for a living.
Defense
White House, Pentagon Finalizing Plans to Get Thousands of Interpreters out of Afghanistan
No decision yet on where and how Afghans and their families will be housed and fed as they await U.S. visas.
Defense
U.S. Troops on Base Less Likely to Seek Extremist Content Than Americans in General, Study Finds
Service branches differ in their engagement with anti-Black extremism or anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, internet research firm says in upcoming report.
Management
Biden’s Goal to Permanently Boost Support for Families Echoes a Failed Nixon Proposal from 50 Years Ago – Will It Take off This Time?
Starting in July 2021, most US families will get monthly payments from the IRS of either $250 or $300 per child under 18.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Spar Over Paid Family Leave for Feds
Democrats argue that the pandemic revealed the need for more expansive leave policies: Republicans dismissed the plan as an unnecessary “perk” for bureaucrats.
Pay & Benefits
Fighting for the Right to Your Benefits
Federal employees meet virtually with lawmakers to make their voices heard on compensation issues.
Nextgov
Pentagon Cyber Official: Digital Authoritarianism is a National Security Threat
Mieke Eoyang, deputy assistant defense secretary for cyber policy, said digital authoritarianism is one of the Pentagon's current challenges.
Workforce
A Functioning Federal Employee Appeals Board May Finally Be in Sight After Biden Names Second Nominee
MSPB hasn't had a quorum in more than four years, but Republicans may push for further delay until a member of their party is nominated.
Oversight
Watchdog: Federal Air Marshal Service Should Better Address COVID-19 Documentation and Testing
The agency did take steps to protect its workforce, GAO said.
Route Fifty
Biden: 'We Have a Deal' on $1.2T Infrastructure Plan
A bipartisan group of senators emerged from a meeting at the White House Thursday to announce they had secured an agreement to invest $1.2 trillion in the nation’s infrastructure over eight years.
Route Fifty
Bipartisan Group of Senators to Meet with Biden on ‘Breakthrough’ Infrastructure Agreement
Lawmakers announced Wednesday night they had reached an agreement on the framework of an infrastructure plan and will present the proposal to President Biden on Thursday.
Defense
Austin, Milley Push Back on Lawmakers’ ‘Critical Race Theory’ Accusations
Republicans ask why West Point cadets learn about ‘White Rage,’ in pointed exchanges with nation’s first Black defense secretary.
Workforce
Top Republican Calls for IG Investigations Into Feds’ Telework Productivity During Pandemic
An oversight subcommittee ranking member, Jody Hice, blasted the White House for seeking a permanent increase in federal remote work without first seeking more data about the impact on agency missions.
Workforce
Will the Government UFO Report Show We’re not Alone?
An astronomy expert breaks down what he expects from the government UFO report and whether humans are alone in the universe."
Workforce
GovExec Daily: A New OPM Director is Confirmed
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss Kiran Ahuja's confirmation vote and the future of the Office of Personnel Management.
Nextgov
Senate Confirms Robin Carnahan to Lead GSA
She worked for the agency during the previous administration.
Workforce
FEMA Seeks More Staff as It Rests Beleaguered Employees Ahead of Busy Season
Federally run vaccination sites are closing and employees are returning from the border as hurricane and wildfire seasons loom.
Management