Management

Abbott Tells Trump Administration Texas Won't Participate in Refugee Resettlement

The decision comes after more than 40 other governors said they would opt in to the federal program.

Oversight

Good Government Groups Push for Nonpartisan Panel to Find FEC Commissioners 

They wrote to the White House and Senate leadership on Monday urging the speedy restoration of a quorum and then a panel to help fill the remaining seats.

Defense

Trump, like Obama, Tests the Limits of Presidential War Powers

Both President Trump and President Obama used military force without informing Congress, or getting its approval. But the differences reveal more than the similarities.

Oversight

House Passes War Powers Resolution to Limit War With Iran

The measure is legally toothless, but could still have some political impact.

Defense

U.S., Iran Back Away From Conflict—For Now

The crisis appears to be cooling, at least for now, as U.S. lawmakers — and presumably the president — return their focus to the looming impeachment trial in the Senate.

Management

Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Deregulation Plan

Plaintiffs challenged an executive order requiring agencies to eliminate two regulations for every new one they introduce.

Defense

How Donald Trump’s Daring Diplomacy With Kim Jong Un Fell Apart

When it comes to America’s last-ditch effort to prevent North Korea from becoming a nuclear power, timing has been everything. Now time’s running out.

Oversight

And Now Over to You, John Roberts

The chief justice has as his task to preside over the senate trial ahead. But his role is a limited one, and he should be able to manage it easily without putting his or the Court’s legitimacy at risk.

Oversight

Trump Becomes the Third President in U.S. History to Be Impeached

The voted capped a two-month investigation, but it was years in the making.

Management

Congress Will Not Block Mandated Union Contracts in Spending Bill

In a blow to labor groups, a provision blocking the implementation of collective bargaining agreements that have not been “mutually agreed to” by all parties does not appear in the final spending legislation.

Pay & Benefits

Bipartisan Spending Deal Includes Average 3.1% Pay Raise for Federal Workers in 2020

Congressional negotiators agreed to use language advocated by Democrats to provide an across-the-board 2.6% pay increase to federal civilian employees, along with an average 0.5% boost in locality pay.

Oversight

Defense IG Will Review Recent $400 Million Border Wall Contract

Key House lawmaker asked for the review, citing possible improper influence by the Trump administration. 

Pay & Benefits

All the Federal Workforce Provisions Tucked into the Defense Policy Bill

In addition to providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave, the authorization act offers additional shutdown protections for feds and codifies the federal “ban the box” policy in hiring.

Pay & Benefits

White House, Democrats Reach Deal to Provide Paid Family Leave to Feds

A tentative agreement on the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act would provide all federal employees with 12 weeks of paid family leave each year.

Oversight

Analysis: Courts Have Avoided Refereeing Between Congress and the President, but Trump May Force Them to Wade In

President Trump refuses to provide information to lawmakers in the impeachment inquiry. But courts have been reluctant to take such cases for fear of upsetting the government's balance of power.

Management

Senate Committee Considers Trump’s Deregulation Crusader for Top Regulatory Role

At the same time, one of the administration's key initiatives to cut red tape is being challenged in court.

Oversight

Viewpoint: The Obscure—but Critical—Rules the Trump Administration Has Sought to Corrupt

I was part of a team that carefully developed a rule-making process in compliance with both the Constitution and Congress’s laws. Can the same be said now?

Management

Watchdog: Proposed OPM-GSA Merger Continues to 'Evolve' Despite Lack of Legislation

Officials have continued to examine moving portions of OPM to GSA piecemeal, and still lack documentation for the legal authority and cost benefit analyses, the inspector general said.