Author Archive
Sean Michael Newhouse
Staff Reporter
Before joining Government Executive in 2024, Sean Michael Newhouse covered House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. There, he covered a wide range of issues but took a particular interest in technology policy. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Before joining Government Executive in 2024, Sean Michael Newhouse covered House and Senate committees for four years at CQ Roll Call. There, he covered a wide range of issues but took a particular interest in technology policy. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton.
Management
Critics worry DOGE’s rush to sell excess federal buildings could hurt agency missions, squander revenue opportunities
While shrinking the federal portfolio has been a bipartisan focus, Democrats at the hearing argued the Department of Government Efficiency’s strategy has been careless.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Federal employee appeals board is fully functional again — for now
The removal of Cathy Harris, a Democratic member of the Merit Systems Protection Board, has been both blocked and upheld in court since President Donald Trump tried to fire her in February. The case will likely now go to the Supreme Court.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Pay & Benefits
Many federal police officers don’t receive enhanced pay and retirement benefits, here's how that might change
A new report from the Government Accountability Office highlights issues Congress will need to consider, as lawmakers move to address the disparity.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
New legislation aims to increase access to VA sexual trauma care
Congress has paid increased attention to sexual misconduct at the military academies following revelations about mishandled cases at the Coast Guard Academy.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Agencies may have to pay more for late contractor invoices due to Trump payment system overhaul
Stakeholders warned that the late payment issue could prompt companies to avoid doing business with the federal government.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Former GOP congressman nominated to independent watchdog role
Anthony D’Esposito, a retired NYPD detective, served on the House Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure and Administration committees and introduced several measures concerning law enforcement issues during his one term.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
‘Gangster state’: Justice Department’s reorganization proposal slammed by Democrats
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could be merged with the Drug Enforcement Administration and DOJ prosecutors focused on tax enforcement and government corruption would be potentially reassigned under the initial plan.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
More USAID staff set to be cut as the Trump administration tries to move agency into the State Department
The president’s attempts to transfer the U.S. Agency for International Development into the State Department have prompted legal challenges.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
FTC commissioners sue to block Trump from firing them
The president has sought to remove several Biden appointees ahead of the end of their terms.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Tech
What the federal workforce could look like with AI government employees
Planning will determine how effectively AI agents are incorporated to streamline agency processes and systems, government technology experts argued.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Updated
Management
Bill to fast track approval of Trump and Musk agency cuts advanced by House committee
Presidents have previously had the authority to propose government reorganization plans that Congress must approve or reject.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
FEMA set for elimination, Noem says, amid bipartisan House reform proposal
The disaster response and recovery agency has been repeatedly criticized by President Donald Trump.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Regional boards for federal agency coordination officially disbanded
A recent Trump executive order mandated the end of federal executive boards, which have been around since 1961.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Democratic oversight leader warns against staff cuts to agency FOIA offices
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is requesting details from agencies after high-profile removals by the Trump administration of officials who handle Freedom of Information Act requests.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Trump appeals rulings that blocked his firings of Democrats on independent federal boards
The Trump administration argued that current law limiting the reasons for the president to remove members of independent government boards is unconstitutional.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Trump overturned two Biden rules, Congress set to clear more for repeal
The president is prioritizing deregulation in his second term.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
News
Shutdown averted: Enough Senate Democrats vote with the GOP to pass a government funding bill
Democrats were split on the vote, with some wanting to use it as leverage to fight Department of Government Efficiency cuts.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
News
To avert a government shutdown, Senate Democratic leader says he’ll vote with the GOP
A shutdown would begin after Friday without congressional action.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Veteran suicide hotline employees permitted to work remotely after concerns that in-office requirement would hurt service
One Veterans Crisis Line supervisor said the return to office mandate was creating confusion among staff, presented logistical challenges and could hurt recruitment.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
News
Government shutdown prospects increase after Schumer says Democrats won’t vote for GOP funding bill
Democrats have argued that the shutdown fight is an opportunity to push back on Elon Musk-backed agency spending and staff cuts.
- Sean Michael Newhouse