Oversight

Marjorie Taylor Greene to head new government efficiency subcommittee

The panel will work closely with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s advisory Department of Government Efficiency.

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.

Management

House Republicans say they’ll confer with Trump on shutdown avoidance plans

Republican leaders are weighing another stopgap bill, but want to consider Trump's preference.

Tech

Will cyber suffer under Trump’s goal to slash federal budgets?

Donald Trump’s intent to cut agency budgets has sparked concerns over adequate cybersecurity funding for government networks. Some believe these fears may be overstated.

Management

VA breaks records for veterans served despite slowing hiring

VA is now seeking a budget boost to meet staffing needs and veterans demands for fiscal 2025.

Workforce

Facing tight budgets, agencies turn to workforce restrictions to rein in costs

Biden began his presidency seeking to boost the civil service and improve federal hiring. At many agencies, he is ending it by cutting back.

Management

Without budget anomaly, SSA hiring is restricted and overtime is at 'historic lows'

Congress’ refusal to provide additional funding for the Social Security Administration in September’s two-month continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown is kneecapping two tools that are key to combatting the agency’s customer service crisis.

Tech

Trump and Harris are sharply divided on science, but share common ground on US technology policy

The candidates have demonstrated different budget priorities when it comes to the role of science and research funding in the federal government, but have taken similar approaches in the technology competition with China.

Management

Congress averts a shutdown, setting up a lame duck fight in December

A stopgap funding bill is heading to Biden's desk as Congress staves off a pre-election shutdown.

Management

Bipartisan deal looks to punt shutdown threat into December

Congressional leaders vow to act quickly to pass stopgap, Secret Service funding, by Sept. 30 deadline.

Management

Shutdown deadline nearing as House stumbles on stopgap spending bill

With just one week left in the session before Congress departs for a six-week election break, there’s not much time for leaders to find consensus, draft a bill, hold votes in both chambers and secure President Joe Biden’s signature.

Pay & Benefits

How did the VA end up with a $3 billion shortfall? Leaders say staff over-delivered

VA officials outlined how a surge in PACT Act claims outpaced initial budget projections in a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday, days before a processing deadline affecting the benefit payments of 7 million veterans. 

Pay & Benefits

House passes $3B VA supplemental budget ahead of Friday deadline

The chamber advanced the multi-billion-dollar stopgap bill by voice vote Tuesday evening, giving the Senate three days to pass the legislation to cover a budget shortfall. 

Workforce

O’Malley makes last ditch effort to secure Biden’s budget proposal for Social Security

The commissioner said that without a budget anomaly to boost funding at the agency, the Social Security Administration would need to institute a hiring freeze and would see its workforce fall to a 50-year low.

News

U.S. House speaker withdraws spending bill that would require ID to register to vote

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., walked back a plan to fund the federal government for six months Wednesday after Democrats and some Republicans balked at the proposal.

Management

There is little consensus in Washington on spending following August recess

The House last weekend unveiled a continuing resolution that would fund federal programs for six months at fiscal 2024 levels and institute new voter ID provisions, a nonstarter for Democrats.

Management

Maui wildfire recovery effectively paused without additional funds

Witnesses at a congressional hearing last week touted the federal government’s response to last year’s disaster but said long-term recovery is in jeopardy.

Management

House GOP members unveil $3B VA supplemental funding bill

The legislation is intended to cover a budget shortfall at the department through the remainder of fiscal 2024.