Oversight

Despite Biden’s Efforts on Ethics, Some Observers Say More Safeguards Are Needed

“We’re in kind of a post-Watergate era right now,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, government affairs manager at the Project on Government Oversight. “I think that’s exactly the time you want to do something like a reform of government ethics.”

Management

The White House’s Regulatory Office is About to Lose Its Interim Director

A career official is stepping up to fill the vacancy; Biden has yet to name a permanent leader for the office.

Oversight

The EPA is Taking Action to Combat Industrial Air Pollution

The EPA announced a raft of targeted actions and specific reforms including stepped-up air monitoring and scrutiny of industrial polluters in the wake of ProPublica’s investigation into toxic hot spots.

Workforce

This Contender for Biden’s Supreme Court Pick Has a History with Feds

U.S. Circuit Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson presided over federal employee unions’ effort to overturn a series of anti-labor executive orders during her tenure at the Washington, D.C., District Court.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: Taking Steps to Create More Equity in Government

Deloitte's Shrupti Shah joins the podcast to discuss how OPM is implementing the administration's DEI order.

Management

Biden’s ‘A-Team’ Turnover Shows ‘Return to Normalcy,’ Report Finds

Staff’s professional experience and transition efforts were likely stabilizing factors. 

Pay & Benefits

OPM Issues Guidance to Ensure 67,000 Feds Make at Least $15 per Hour

Agencies have until the end of this month to exercise special pay rates to implement a $15 minimum wage, in accordance with a Biden administration executive order.

Management

GovExec Daily: Regulatory Policies and the Biden Administration

Daniel R. Pérez joins the podcast to discuss his analysis of the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

Workforce

White House Pitches Feds on Sustainability

Biden administration looks to influence culture at federal agencies through speaker series on climate change.

Management

Almost One Year In: Biden’s Track Record on Nominations and Confirmations

The process underscores the challenges with so many positions needing Senate confirmation, the Partnership for Public Service said in a new report. 

Workforce

Agencies Must Establish COVID-19 Testing Programs for Certain Unvaccinated Feds and Contractors By Feb. 15

Task force issues new guidance on coronavirus testing for those who report to federal facilities or otherwise interact with the public.

Defense

Who’s in Charge of US Space Policy?

Space professionals worry the National Space Council is ceding its defense portfolio.

Management

Expert: Worries about Democracy Remain a Year after Jan. 6 Insurrection

Nearly a year after the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, concerns remain about the state of American democracy, says Michael Traugott.

Management

GovExec Daily: The Customer Experience Under the Biden Administration

John Kamensky joins the podcast to discuss the Executive Order and Presidential Management Agenda Vision.

Management

The Vaccine Rollout Was a Success. But Events Within and Beyond Biden’s Control Stymied Progress.

There were variants, vaccine hesitancy and messaging mix-ups. And, despite campaign promises, Biden and his administration sometimes took actions or made statements without waiting for full scientific evidence to back them up.

Defense

Three Soldiers to Receive Medal of Honor

The awards are for actions during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Management

Biden Orders Agencies to Take Steps to Improve Government Customer Service

The people-first approach tackles everything from federal benefits to passport services to disaster recovery.