Tech
Republican lawmakers ask Trump to kill IRS Direct File
The new program intended to enable free, online tax filing directly with the government has garnered controversy and praise since its inception.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers call on Biden to grant feds a 4.5% raise in 2025, restoring pay parity
President Biden previously came under fire from federal employee groups and some lawmakers for proposing only a 2.0% average pay raise for civilian workers, abandoning a longstanding Democratic priority.
Oversight
Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog
It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.
Workforce
White House, agencies warn of hiring freezes without ‘anomalies’ to upcoming spending bill
Agencies, already slashing workforce costs due to a constrained budget environment, are now reckoning with yet another short-term funding measure.
Management
As Trump’s teams get set to deploy to agencies, concerns remain over his transition approach
The president-elect is still sidestepping many of the procedures typically required for presidential transitions, but Biden's White House says its hands are tied.
Updated
Management
Extraordinary senior executives receive presidential rank award
The selective honor comes with a cash award that is up to 35% of the recipient’s annual basic pay.
Tech
Trump’s first White House debated the role of the U.S. Digital Service. What will Trump 2.0 do?
The Office of Management and Budget led an effort to assess USDS — even whether it should exist — during the twilight days of the Trump administration. With another Trump White House incoming, the question of what’s next for the government’s digital SWAT team looms.
Breaking News
Management
Trump teams to deploy throughout government after reaching agreement with the Biden administration
The president-elect had previously refused to sign the agreement and is still sidestepping many of the steps typically required for presidential transitions.
Management
How George Washington used his first Thanksgiving as president to unite a new country
On Nov. 26, 1789, Washington called on the people to hold their new country together in the face of forces that he knew could pull it apart.
Defense
‘Extraordinarily dangerous’: Intelligence community insiders warn against Trump’s director of national intelligence pick
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has a “history of irresponsibly promoting misinformation,” said one official.
Tech
How the federal CIO is prepping for the presidential transition
Cybersecurity, customer experience and effective transition efforts have been top-of-mind for Clare Matorana in the last days of the Biden administration.
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.
Defense
White House issues AI guidelines for national-security agencies
The new memo requires agencies to monitor, assess, and mitigate AI risks related to invasions of privacy, bias, and other human rights abuses.
Workforce
Biden says Trump's civil service plans make him unfit for office
The president cited his predecessor’s support for reinstating Schedule F, a controversial plan to make tens of thousand of federal workers at-will employees, as he campaigned for Vice President Harris' White House bid.
Management
Biden administration doles out $4.2 billion for big-ticket infrastructure projects
A new Boston rail bridge, a California high-speed rail station, electric dock equipment in Miami and a safer highway interchange in Iowa are among the 44 projects selected for funding.
Tech
White House leads public-private commitment to curb AI-based sexually abusive material
Leading private sector companies signed voluntary agreements with the White House to train and monitor their AI models to avoid such misuse.
Management
Hundreds of cities get federal help to make streets safer
The $1 billion funding announcement is the second round of grants this year. To date, the federal government has provided money for safer streets to nearly three-quarters of the country.
Tech
White House cyber czar launches a new hiring sprint
The federal government’s main occupational series for IT jobs saw 3,000 open positions in fiscal 2024.
Pay & Benefits
Biden formally announces 2% average pay raise for feds in 2025
The president each August must declare an “economic emergency” to prevent large automatic increases to locality pay from taking effect, in accordance with the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act.
Workforce