Management

Satisfaction with government hits record high just before a new Trump admin 

The incoming Trump administration casts an uncertain light on the customer experience gains made in recent years.

Oversight

HHS to crack down on providers blocking access to electronic medical records

The Health and Human Services Department has received more than a thousand claims of blocked or stymied access to electronic health record information in recent years.

Tech

GSA's Login to offer face recognition to customer agencies

Agencies using the government-created service will have the option to incorporate new face-matching capabilities or stick with existing offerings.

Tech

Hill Dems question IRS on identity verification requirements for Direct File

Taxpayers had to go through outsourced identity verification to use Direct File during the last tax season, a level of assurance the lawmakers note is not required for commercial tax prep companies.

Management

Bipartisan Senate duo seeks to push IRS customer service forward

The tax agency is already working on some of the items in the bill — like improving online accounts.

Tech

Inside VA’s drive to offer rideshare services to vets

Since its launch in January 2022, the Veterans Health Administration’s rideshare program for veterans in need of medical-related transportation has provided more than 438,000 rides.

Tech

Education Department begins testing of new FAFSA form

The first of four testing periods for the online federal student aid application began on Tuesday with six community-based organizations.

News

USDA wraps equity commission, vows to continue work 

The department will likely have to contend with anti-DEI efforts as it pursues this goal.

Management

Customer experience bill passes Senate committee

The proposal is one of many that moved through House and Senate committees last week, including a transparency bill that brings additional congressional oversight to the General Services Administration.

Management

'Gross negligence': Shortages in USDA food aid for Native Americans blasted in Congress

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole said the USDA had failed in its duty to provide “critical food assistance for tribal members and vulnerable senior citizens” for months.

Management

U.S. Education Department to open new financial aid form to more applicants 

The department named six participants who will help test the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form for 2025-2026 after the previous year's form faced technical glitches.

Management

A Management Agenda for 2025 and beyond: Pivoting from outcomes to results

COMMENTARY | When it comes to creating a government that solves the country’s big problems, the people just don’t believe it’s happening. Here’s how to fix that.

News

Impasse on SNAP benefits holds up farm bill

The current law expires at the end of September. Congress appears likely to extend the 2018 farm bill again.

Management

Education Department outlines its testing period for a phased rollout of the new FAFSA form

After this year's federal student aid application encountered a series of glitches and errors the department will begin beta testing the 2025-2026 form with community-based organizations in October.

Management

SSI to move its core disability program application online

The initial rollout will be available to adults who have never married and are applying for Supplemental Security Income for the first time.

Management

VA should offer more support for Veterans Crisis Line personnel, watchdog says

VA’s Office of Inspector General found that the Veterans Crisis Line successfully prepared for the launch of the streamlined “988 then press 1” call option for those in crisis but strained supervisors’ ability to guide responders.

Workforce

Americans mostly like federal agencies, but there’s a partisan gap

A research nonprofit found that Republicans surveyed were more likely to have more negative views of several agencies than in the past.

Management

Lack of timeframes and follow-ups led Social Security to delay some priority disability applications 

An inspector general’s audit found that while the agency identified and processed 96% of the priority cases reviewed, a slice of applications slipped past monitoring, leading to longer wait times.

Tech

Benefits.gov to shutter in September

The Labor Department’s benefits-focused website dates back to 2002.

Oversight

IRS program to assist poor taxpayers rarely picks up the phone

TIGTA investigators were unable to leave a message at 16 local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices because their voicemail boxes were full.