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.
Oversight
FBI program to catch serial criminals is underfunded and understaffed, inspector general says
Despite a nearly 3,000% increase in cases submitted to the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program’s database, staffing and funding levels have remained “relatively flat.”
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
A mental health program for service members transitioning to civilian life was unable to contact most enrollees
Oversight officials have spotlighted numerous concerns with programs to help individuals leaving the military.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Management
Scrutiny increases of Secret Service security at Trump rally where assassination attempt occurred
President Joe Biden has ordered an independent review of the shooting.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Bill to strengthen oversight of beleaguered Bureau of Prisons is cleared for president’s signature
The Senate approved the measure by unanimous consent, following several misconduct investigations into the federal prison system.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
TSA hasn’t assessed whether deploying air marshals to the border negatively impacts air security, IG says
The agency has been providing air marshals to assist at the border since 2019.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Does the Hatch Act apply to you? Election season do's and don'ts
The first installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
- Courtney Bublé and Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Can federal employees volunteer for political campaigns and make contributions? Election season do's and don'ts
The second installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
- Courtney Bublé and Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Can federal employees take part in political campaign activities? Election season do’s and don’ts
The third installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
- Courtney Bublé and Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
How does telework affect the Hatch Act? Election season do’s and don’ts
The fourth installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
- Courtney Bublé and Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Detention facilities under U.S. Marshals Service lack proper oversight
GAO found that nearly half of the deputies who reviewed certain detention facilities in fiscal 2023 had not been trained.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
IRS services for underserved taxpayers are good but can be better, report says
While the IRS has focused on improving customer service for underserved taxpayers, TIGTA noted that the tax agency doesn’t currently have a definition for such taxpayers.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Updated
Management
GSA unveils advisory committee for transparency initiatives
The committee will help foster new goals and initiatives under the Biden administration’s open government plan.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Why do federal employee background checks take so long? Panel points to delayed IT system
The Defense Department agency responsible for vetting workers at most federal agencies originally planned to have a new background check system fully functional in 2019.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Colorado VA medical facility leaders created a ‘psychologically unsafe’ environment for employees
A pair of inspector general investigations substantiated claims that VA officials in Aurora, Colo., presided over a toxic work environment that also featured a year-long pause in certain surgeries due to staff departures.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
Tax audits for some millionaires may be more effective than targeting a wider range, report finds
The TIGTA report compared a 2020 IRS directive that required annual audits on some individuals making more than $10 million to a wider income range, finding that the former yielded more assessments.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Tech
Generative AI’s fleet-footed evolution is causing quandaries for federal acquisition
Government leaders and federal contractors said the rapid development of generative AI makes it difficult for agencies to determine what types of tools it needs.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
‘Trailblazing’ federal leaders urge perseverance, authenticity to government interns
Panelists at an OPM event for interns praised federal DEI programs, which some congressional Republicans want to end.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
NSF’s ongoing major infrastructure project delays due to personnel, supply challenges, report says
Staffing challenges were partially at the root of delays for two of the agency’s construction facilities projects costing more than $100 million.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Workforce
Burnout among government workers is decreasing but still high, according to new pulse survey data
Leader of the consulting firm that sponsored the poll says the burnout rate could cause public employees to leave their jobs.
- Sean Michael Newhouse
Oversight
DHS needs to improve how it collects employee hiring and vetting data, GAO reports
The watchdog’s analysis found that the department did not meet its average hiring time targets in fiscal 2022 for nine out of 13 priority positions.
- Sean Michael Newhouse