MSPB: Constructive Knowledge of Disclosures Can Be Contributing Factor to Retaliation
The Merit Systems Protection Board reversed the decision of an administrative judge, finding that actual knowledge of an employee’s protected whistleblowing disclosures is not the only way to show that the employee’s disclosures were a “contributing factor” for a personnel action.
No “Third Party Review” for Employee Suspended after Work-Related Criminal Accusation
A Department of Veterans Affairs employee who had been indefinitely suspended after a grand jury indictment related to the allegedly unauthorized closing of over 2,700 unresolved consults for medical care had his indefinite suspension upheld by the Merit Systems Protection Board.
New White House Report Warns of Sequestration
In a new report released by the White House, the administration cautioned that the House of Representatives’ version of the government’s discretionary budget for fiscal year 2017 could prompt the return of sequestration.
Tea Party Chairman to Again Push for IRS Commissioner Impeachment After Recess
As recess winds down and Congress prepares to return to Washington, Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) and other members are pushing once again for the House to take up an effort to impeach IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.
OSC File Amicus Brief Against Elevated Burden of Proof in VA Whistleblower Case
Attesting that it has a substantial interest in a legal issue presented by Salazar v. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Special Counsel filed a “friend of the court,” or amicus curiae, brief on August 3, 2016, with the Merit Systems Protection Board arguing that an employee who makes a disclosure in his normal course of duties should not be subject to an elevated standard when attempting to prove a prima facie case of whistleblower retaliation.
Clinton to Call Congress to Return and Address Zika Funding
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton will call on Congress to return from recess and approve emergency funding to fight Zika during her campaign stop in Miami, according to a campaign aide.
Answered: Your Professional Liability Insurance Questions
As a result of recent news articles including Newsweek’s U.S. Probes Chinese Ownership of CIA-Linked Insurance Company article, FEDS has received numerous inquiries over the last month regarding ownership, coverage and the process of changing providers.
This Week on FEDtalk: Professional Development for Senior Leaders
With the EEOC Executive Leadership Training only a few months away, keynote speaker and internationally-recognized workplace expert, Jones Loflin, guests on FEDtalk to discuss professional development at the senior level.
Obama to Issue Fed Pay Raise Proposal this Month
By August 31st, feds will know what to expect for this year regarding a pay raise. That’s the cutoff point for the president, who is expected to propose a 1.6% across-the-board pay increase for civilian federal employees as outlined in his fiscal 2017 budget.
Virginia House Members Seek Answer to FLTCIP Increase
In a letter issued last week to Beth Cobert, the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) demanded answers regarding the recent increase in premiums for enrollees in the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).
This Week on FEDtalk: Checking in on Congress
This week on FEDtalk, Jason Briefel and Nikki Cannon are hosting a reporter’s roundtable to talk about Congress’ accomplishments during their most recent session, what still needs to be addressed, and predictions for their next session.
Lawmakers Introduce Legislative Option to Modernize Agency IT Systems
A legislative alternative to the White House’s proposed $3.1 billion IT Modernization Fund has been introduced in both the House and Senate.
MSPB Clarifies Law on Preappointment Reason for Termination
The Merit Systems Protection Board reversed the termination of a Department of Veterans Affairs employee who was terminated after the Agency discovered that a current probation agreement bound the employee to inform prospective employers of his status and prohibited the use of computers with online services and the use of data encryption.
During Metro Repairs, Lawmakers Move to Allow Transit Benefits to be Used for Ridesharing
Last week, Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced legislation to allow federal employees to use their transit benefits toward ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft.
Reduced IRS Budgets = Reduced Revenue and Service
Everyone agrees there’s a problem at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the question is: who is responsible? IRS Commissioner John Koskinen has described an “abysmal level of service,” and the numbers bear out the Commissioner’s concern.
Testimony Supporting Another Employee in AIB Interview is Not Protected
On June 17, 2016, the Merit Systems Protection Board held that an appellant’s testimony during an Administrative Investigation Board (“AIB”) investigation is not protected activity under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9)(B), which protects agency employees that testify or lawfully assist individuals in the exercise of appeal, complaint, or grievance rights.
House Committee Seeks Answers on Political Appointee Conversions
In a letter to Acting Director Beth Cobert of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last week requested details regarding how many political appointees have been converted to career positions since September of last year.
White House Threatens Veto Over IRS Budget Cuts
The White House is threatening a veto to the House version of the fiscal 2017 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill because of its inclusion of $236 million in additional cuts to the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) budget.