Workforce

Trump expected to tap Schedule F architect promising widespread federal layoffs to head OMB

Russ Vought previously held the job and now says he wants federal workers to be "viewed as the villains."

Management

New bill would require FBI recommendation on security clearances for White House appointees 

The Security Clearance Review Act — cosponsored by Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Ted Lieu, D-Calif., would require the president to provide Congress with written justification for overruling an FBI clearance denial of executive office appointees.

Workforce

Key lawmakers back Trump's plans to remove federal workers

GOP leaders say they will back the president-elect's efforts to strip civil-service protections.

Management

Immigration enforcement agents see Trump’s border czar as one of their own

Tom Homan spent more than 30 years as a federal law enforcement officer, ultimately becoming the leader of ICE.

Oversight

Intelligence IGs head for the exit before Trump’s return

Trump fired five inspectors general during his first administration.

Management

Good luck, Department of Government Efficiency

COMMENTARY | It sounds like a federal agency, but its job is to get rid of them.

Pay & Benefits

Medicare Part D may benefit most federal annuitants next year

COMMENTARY | Not only are there more options to choose from, but there are also benefit changes that may make Part D more convenient and a better value, according to Kevin Moss of Consumers’ Checkbook.

Oversight

Senator wants info on inspectors general office sexual harassment settlements

Grassley wrote that whistleblowers informed his office that the financial agreements required complainants to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Management

Agencies expect small fiscal 2025 funding increases — at best

The Professional Services Council’s federal budget forecast predicts that fiscal 2025 appropriations will edge up slightly at best or face potential stinging GOP-led cuts.

Oversight

FEMA chief calls passing over of Trump supporters isolated incident, requests wider probe

One FEMA supervisor has been fired for directing staff to skip Trump-supporting homes, but administrator says there is so far no evidence of a more widespread issue.

Management

Here’s what we know about the investigations into Matt Gaetz

Trump’s nominee for attorney general has been investigated by the House Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice. He has denied wrongdoing.

Tech

Hackers nabbed emails between congressional staff and the Library of Congress 

Affected staff were notified Friday afternoon, according to an internal email. Capitol Hill communications with the Congressional Research Service frequently involve confidential legislative drafts or policies still in the brainstorming stage.

Pay & Benefits

Feds in 2024 made almost a quarter less than their private sector peers

The Federal Salary Council, which reported the disparity, also recommended creating new locality pay areas in Kennewick-Richland-Walla Walla, Wash., and Syracuse-Auburn, N.Y.

Management

O'Malley to step down as SSA chief this month, seeks political role

Martin O'Malley won plaudits for reinvigorating a resource-starved SSA, but will leave his post early.

Workforce

Trump’s ‘DOGE’ commission promises mass federal layoffs, ending telework

The incoming administration will handle large-scale RIFs with compassion, Vivek Ramaswamy says.

Management

USDS looks for a new deputy as the Trump administration approaches 

Mina Hsiang, current administrator of the U.S. Digital Service, is expected to leave before the Trump administration takes the helm.

Tech

Lawmaker looks to improve SBA’s IT modernization after critical GAO review

A proposal from Rep. Nydia Velázquez would require that the Small Business Administration “establish and implement policies and procedures to govern information technology modernization projects.”