Oversight

13 Trump Officials Found to Have Violated the Hatch Act Ahead of 2020 Election

The Trump administration had a “willful disregard” for the law, Office of Special Counsel says.

Management

Senate Confirms Second Ever Woman Solicitor General, Who Represents Federal Government before Supreme Court

Elizabeth Prelogar clerked for now-Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, who was the first woman solicitor general. Her confirmation comes days before oral arguments on a Texas abortion ban.

Management

Vacancies Act Deadline Looms for Many of Biden’s Acting Officials, But the OMB Director Is an Exception

A statutory provision allows the deputy director of the management and budget office to serve as the agency’s acting leader indefinitely. 

Oversight

Immediate Sidelining of Trump Burrower by Biden Administration Was Appropriate, IG Finds

The official's hiring by the National Security Agency had generated significant concern, but a watchdog says the decision was above board.

Workforce

Federal Employee Appeals Board Now One Step Closer to Ending Years-Long Dysfunction

Biden's nominees to the Merit Systems Protection Board are now heading to the full Senate for a vote.

Oversight

Public Health Experts ‘Flabbergasted’ That Biden Still Hasn’t Picked an FDA Chief

The Food and Drug Administration has been mired in controversies related to drug approvals and covid vaccines, all without a permanent leader.

Management

Biden Finally Nominates a Full Slate to Long-Vacant Federal Employee Appeals Board

The Senate can likely now proceed in restoring a quorum at MSPB for the first time in more than four years.

Management

Republicans Demand Answers on Ouster of Social Security Commissioner

GOP lawmakers call the firing of Andrew Saul “unlawful” and ask the comptroller general to outline how acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi’s powers may be constrained by the Vacancies Act.

Management

The High Cost of Leaving Key Federal Management Jobs Unfilled

Until President Biden gets key officials in place, it’s going to be difficult for him to make progress on his agenda.

Management

Biden Ousts Trump Holdovers from Social Security Administration

Removal of the agency’s leadership follows a Supreme Court decision finding that laws barring a president from firing political appointees without cause are unconstitutional.

Workforce

A Functioning Federal Employee Appeals Board May Finally Be in Sight After Biden Names Second Nominee

MSPB hasn't had a quorum in more than four years, but Republicans may push for further delay until a member of their party is nominated.

Oversight

Senator Seeks Probe Into Potential Civil Service Violations Under Biden

Top Banking Committee Republican is demanding answers from the administration and asking the IG for a full investigation.

Management

Ethics Experts Say Administration’s Hiring of Top Biden Advisor’s Kids Raises Questions

A White House official said the Ricchettis have relevant qualifications for their jobs and their levels of experience are similar to those of their predecessors.

Management

Biden Employs Aggressive Strategy to Sideline Top Career Officials at Consumer Protection Bureau

Current and former employees say the administration is flouting civil service protections—and its own promises.

Management

Biden Administration Leaves Final Location of Interior Bureau an Open Question

The Trump administration moved the Bureau of Land Management headquarters to Colorado, a controversial decision that led to an exodus from the agency.