Author Archive
Eric Katz
Senior Correspondent
Eric Katz writes about federal agency operations and management. His deep coverage of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Postal Service has earned him frequent guest spots on national radio and television news programs. Eric joined Government Executive in the summer of 2012 and previously worked for The Financial Times. He is a graduate of The George Washington University.
Eric Katz writes about federal agency operations and management. His deep coverage of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Postal Service has earned him frequent guest spots on national radio and television news programs. Eric joined Government Executive in the summer of 2012 and previously worked for The Financial Times. He is a graduate of The George Washington University.
Workforce
Biden administration launches emergency hiring efforts to support hurricane relief efforts
Federal agencies can quickly appoint new employees, who can serve up to two years.
- Eric Katz
Management
Secret Service needs to fix 'corrosive cultural attitudes' with its workforce to prevent a successful assassination, panel finds
The failures that led to a nearly successful assassination attempt on Trump run deeper than staffing shortfalls, the investigators found.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
'It's heartbreaking:' Federal personnel resume full hurricane response efforts after threats force a partial pause
Misinformation has caused "real-world obstacles" for FEMA responders as the agency looks to protect its workforce.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Trump promises pay raises and bonuses to spark a DHS hiring spree
Border Patrol has struggled to hire for a decade, however, and is already offering bonuses larger than Trump is proposing.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Federal personnel are facing threats during hurricane response, DHS chief warns
As misinformation swirls, posters online have vowed to send militias and 'shoot' federal workers responding to recent disasters.
- Eric Katz
Management
FEMA vows readiness as it prepares responses to concurrent crises
The emergency management agency has all the staff it needs for Helene and Milton work, administrator says.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
USPS employees in hurricane-ravaged areas deal with loss—and still make their deliveries
Postal workers are navigating downed power lines, fallen trees, sinkholes, and their own tragic circumstances as they carry mail for devastated communities.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS makes its pitch to again slow delivery for some mail
The Postal Service is promising significant savings and to protect most mail from slowdowns, but the plan is facing some resistance.
- Eric Katz
Management
‘All hands on deck:’ From Hawaii to Texas, FEMA employees pitch in on Helene response
FEMA personnel, even those not deployed, are working long hours to get supplies where they are needed.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Amid hiring surge, FAA taps outside schools to boost air traffic controller training
The agency is looking to reduce bottlenecks as it attempts to reverse a longstanding slide in air traffic controller staffing.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Federal employee appeals board has nearly eliminated the backlog built up during its five years without power
Agency workers who appealed adverse actions against them finally have resolution after waiting for years for a decision.
- Eric Katz
Management
Trump still declining federal transition services even as second deadline passes
The delay has the potential to disrupt transition planning for both campaigns.
- Eric Katz
Management
The major takeaways for federal employees from the vice presidential debate
Federal hiring promises, calls for a "robust and aggressive" federal government and more takeaways from the Walz-Vance debate.
- Eric Katz
Management
Federal agencies have deployed 3,600 employees in Helene response
Biden promises feds will stay as long as necessary, and FEMA says it may tap volunteers from other agencies to aid in response.
- Eric Katz
Workforce
Harris touts plan to bring on more border agents, but hiring is already lagging
The vice president is visiting the border to discuss ideas for the workforce that may be difficult to implement in practice.
- Eric Katz
Management
USPS delays reforms and promises a smooth election-mail service
The Postal Service is vowing to deliver ballots promptly despite dips in service in many parts of the country.
- Eric Katz
Management
Congress averts a shutdown, setting up a lame duck fight in December
A stopgap funding bill is heading to Biden's desk as Congress staves off a pre-election shutdown.
- Eric Katz
Oversight
Senate report details widespread Secret Service failures in Trump assassination attempt
Lack of communication and leadership led to USSS errors, though the agency maintains no individual employees were to blame.
- Eric Katz
Updated
Workforce
Air Marshals say they are reaching a ‘breaking point’ amid brain drain and ‘punishing’ schedules
The federal law enforcement personnel say they need a fresh start in a new agency.
- Eric Katz
Management
Bipartisan deal looks to punt shutdown threat into December
Congressional leaders vow to act quickly to pass stopgap, Secret Service funding, by Sept. 30 deadline.
- Eric Katz