Defense

OPM and Defense Dept. Issue Guidelines for Civilian Employees on Coronavirus

New memos spell out expanded telework flexibilities, leave policies, alternative work schedules and more.

Workforce

Senators Call on OPM to Ensure Feds and Contractors Are Protected as Coronavirus Spreads

The lawmakers pushed for expanding telework and preventing agencies from imposing disciplinary actions or pay cuts that could impede health precautions.

Oversight

Watchdog: Poor Communication Left HHS Ill-Equipped to Handle Family Separation Policy 

Leaders ignored warnings from career staff that would have helped them better care for an influx of children, IG found.  

Oversight

New Bill Would Strengthen Protections for Whistleblowers Who Expose Classified Information

The legislation would make it so that a narrower group of people could be prosecuted for revealing such information.  

Oversight

IG Flags Food Safety Concerns at Federal Prisons

The Bureau of Prisons does not have a protocol to “ensure its food supply is safe and meets contractual requirements.”

Oversight

Experts Call for Reform of Vacancies Act Following Trump’s Intelligence Director Nomination

Acting DNIs can “risk our national security with extended unqualified leadership,” said one expert.

Management

Federal Judge Rules Acting Immigration Services Director Was Unlawfully Appointed

Succession order let Ken Cuccinelli "leapfrog" to the role as agency head without having first served in a subordinate position.

Oversight

Senate Democrats Call on Justice Dept. IG to Investigate Political Interference

Meddling by the Trump administration could “permanently damage the integrity and independence” of the department, they wrote. 

Oversight

Bill Would Require Frequent Congressional Testimony from Acting Defense and National Security Officials 

Trump administration's acting officials "limit congressional oversight of our national security," the measure's sponsor says. 

Workforce

Lawmaker Asks Democratic Presidential Candidates How They Would Rebuild the Federal Workforce

The Trump administration has done “lasting damage to the integrity, morale and retention of our federal workforce,” Virginia congresswoman writes.

Management

Long-Time Federal Prisons Official Named Permanent BOP Director

New bureau head will face high rates of inmate and correctional officer suicides, understaffing and issues with reporting of employee misconduct.

Management

How EPA Could Be More Transparent With the Public

Think tank suggests more support for the newly established C-suite level position of chief data officer. 

Oversight

Elections Agency Commissioner: ‘The Biggest Story at the FEC Is What’s Not Happening’

Agency received a funding increase in Trump’s 2021 budget request, but that won’t matter unless commission regains a quorum.

Oversight

Democratic Candidates Defend Their Records on Transparency During Nevada Primary Debate

Presidential contenders who have criticized Trump for his secrecy were forced to explain their own actions.  

Oversight

Watchdog: EPA Needs to Improve Management of Environmental Program Along the U.S.-Mexico Border 

Documentation of progress was “frequently unreliable” and program information was “neither transparent nor accessible,” said the report.