Transition
‘Reclaim power from unaccountable bureaucracy’: Trump touts early actions against federal workforce in address to Congress
The president praised Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives during his speech to Congress, the first of his second term.
Management
McMahon confirmed to lead Education Department ahead of anticipated layoffs
The incoming secretary said during her confirmation hearing that eliminating the Education Department, a priority of President Donald Trump, would require congressional approval.
Workforce
Unions call on senators to ‘defund’ Trump’s workforce purges
A group comprised of 15 federal employee unions urged leaders on the Senate Appropriations Committee to issue a two-year moratorium on reductions in force as part of legislation to fund the government past March 14.
Oversight
Comptroller general says impoundment violations are a ‘high priority’ for GAO
Gene Dodaro said the Government Accountability Office will move “as quickly and thoroughly as possible” to enforce potential violations of the Impoundment Control Act as the Trump administration seeks to take a cleaver to federal spending.
Defense
Defense Department police officers can’t get proper credentials nearly 2 years after Congress required them
An officer said they’ve run into issues questioning witnesses, registering for trainings and purchasing necessary equipment because they can’t easily prove they’re a federal law enforcement officer.
Defense
Lawmakers to DOGE: Use a scalpel, not a sledgehammer at the Pentagon
Cutting first and asking questions later could hurt national security, House Armed Services committee members say.
Updated
Management
Senate confirms RFK Jr. to lead HHS
Kennedy’s confirmation comes during a legal battle over whether the National Institutes of Health can cap the percentage of funding it provides for indirect research costs.
Transition
Congressional Democrats tell skeptical protestors they’ll stop Trump’s elimination of USAID
Members of Congress who spoke at Wednesday’s rally said an upcoming government funding deadline could be an opportunity to stifle Trump’s plans to weaken federal agencies.
Transition
Senior Democrat wants to know who in the Trump White House got Top Secret clearance without a complete background check
Trump issued a memo providing temporary security clearances for certain personnel, arguing delays in their vetting were "unacceptable."
Transition
Gabbard and Patel hearings display diverging views of reality, history along partisan lines
Senators focused mostly on the nominees’ past statements, rather than how they may lead in their prospective positions.
Transition
Democrats worry RFK Jr. could purge ‘thousands’ of federal health employees
Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services secretary said that NIH, FDA and CDC would be integral in his objective to prevent chronic disease.
Oversight
Congressional response to watchdog firings hindered by GOP control, Connolly says
A good government group fears that Trump will ignore rules about who can serve as an acting inspector general.
Updated
Transition
Inspectors general’s role as independent government watchdogs in question after Trump firings
Many inspector general offices will be headed by acting leaders in the interim, which could weaken the effectiveness of their oversight.
Oversight
Trump fires multiple agency inspectors general
Sen. Grassley and a top watchdog said Trump did not adhere to congressional notification requirements about such removals.
Pay & Benefits
Congressional Republicans mull plans to gash feds’ pay, benefits and job security
GOP lawmakers are once again considering a litany of proposals that would require federal workers to pay more in exchange for less retirement and health care benefits.
Management
Congress passes migrant detention bill that DHS said it can’t enforce without more resources
The Laken Riley Act is set to be the first bill Trump signs into law after it passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
Updated
Management
Coast Guard leader fired by new DHS officials
Commandant Linda Fagan had received bipartisan criticisms from members of Congress who accused the USCG of resisting oversight.
Pay & Benefits
Democrats introduce bills to provide feds 4.3% average pay raise in 2026, standardize retiree COLAs
Lawmakers have reintroduced annual bills aimed at setting a marker for the upcoming federal pay raise debate and to end bifurcated cost-of-living increases for federal retirees.
Updated
Oversight
Inspectors general have a new bipartisan caucus in the Senate
The president-elect has a record of removing inspectors general.
Workforce