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.

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.

Management

FBI Director Makes the Case for Increased Staffing

He touts the bureau’s low attrition rate and high number of applicants. 

Defense

Austin: I Support Taking Military Sex Crime Prosecutions Away From Chain of Command

Defense secretary breaks with Joint Chiefs after they warn that Sen. Gillibrand’s leading UCMJ reform bill goes too far.

Oversight

Republicans Call for Hearing on Possible IRS Leak of Personal Taxpayer Information

Federal agencies took immediate action to investigate how a news organization got ahold of the sensitive information.  

Pay & Benefits

Juneteenth Will Be a New Holiday for Feds, Although It’s Unclear When

The holiday would typically be observed Friday, but a lack of lead time to implement a newly passed bill could delay when federal workers see a new day off.

Defense

Biden’s Hair Should Be ‘On Fire’ Over Afghan Translators Being Left Behind, Senator Says

Sen. Angus King proposed solutions, such as sending Afghans to NATO allies temporarily, but said there’s not enough time for Congress to act.

Defense

Hundreds of Troops Complain About ‘Woke’ Racism, Extremism Training, Cotton Claims

Senator confronts Austin, releases list of purported examples of Black Lives Matter advocacy, anti-white male bias, and diversity efforts.

Management

As More Climate Migrants Cross Borders Seeking Refuge, Laws Will Need to Adapt

Climate migrants don’t fit neatly into the legal definitions of refugee or migrant, and that can leave them in limbo. The Biden administration is debating how to identify and help them.

Defense

To US Army, Getting Women’s Body Armor Quickly Is an Unfunded Priority

Lawmakers question why the service left $81 million to “accelerate” gear for women and short men out of its latest budget request.

Management

Budget Request for Federal Prisons Agency Isn’t Enough, Union Says

Agency argues the president’s request “provides sufficient funding to cover ...cost increases in pay and benefits, rent costs, and prison and detention operations.” 

Oversight

Congress Considers Future of the Military Draft, while Supreme Court Holds Off

Questions include whether women should be compelled to register, as men are, and whether the draft and draft registration should exist at all.

Defense

Austin Asks Top General For ‘Options’ to Evacuate Afghans

Operation would need authorization from White House, which is not yet “actively pursuing” the idea.

Pay & Benefits

Two New Retirement Savings Bills Could Impact TSP

Officials at the Thrift Savings Plan said both bills aimed at making it easier for older Americans to get ready for retirement require changes to be implemented faster than is possible.

Management

Senate Has Passed Three Resolutions to Undo ‘Midnight’ Trump Regulations

Thursday is the estimated deadline for the Senate to use its fast-track authority under the Congressional Review Act.

Defense

US Air Force Will Cut Turkey from F-35 Production, Kendall Says

The service secretary nominee also signals he’s not in favor of reducing U.S. F-35 purchases.

Oversight

Committee Advances Bill to Protect IGs from Political Retaliation 

The sweeping legislation addresses many issues raised during the Trump administration. 

Management

GovExec Daily: Congress and the Budget Process

The Project on Government Oversight's Liz Hempowicz joined the show to discuss the power of the purse.