9th Circuit Adopts Federal Circuit Holdings in Whistleblower Appeal
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals adopted the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals’ holdings with regard to the test of whether an agency has carried its burden to prove whether the agency would have taken the same personnel action against an employee irrespective of the employee’s protected disclosures, and with regard to whether an employee may be disciplined for the manner in which he or she communicates a protected disclosure.
Women's History Month and The Suffrage Movement
Tune in this week for our special Women’s History Month show to learn about some of the greatest female contributions to history, culture, and society.
Conservatives Push for Greater Oversight on IRS Rules
Conservative groups and several GOP lawmakers are pushing for more oversight of IRS rules as the agency works to carry out President Trump’s new tax law.
Constitutionality of Public Union “Agency Fees” Set for Decision
For the second time in less than three years, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether requiring public sector employees who are non-paid members of the bargaining unit to pay an “agency fee” to subsidize union activities is unconstitutional.
OMB Releases Cost-Benefit Report for Federal Regulations
This week, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released to Congress its annual cost-benefit analysis of federal agency rules and regulations.
Federal Manager Professional Liability Insurance
Media sensation, negative public impact, political agendas and disgruntled employees are just a few of the reasons federal managers should have liability insurance from FEDS Protection in place.
Presidents Day Lessons from the Greats
Tune in this week for a special FEDtalk in honor of Presidents Day.
House Budget Negotiations Off to Rocky Start
With President Trump’s 2019 budget proposal now released to the public, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have begun hashing out what Roll Call sees as nearly “insurmountable” differences.
Tomorrow: Confirmation Hearing for New OPM Director
President Trump’s nominee to head the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Jeff Pon, will receive a confirmation hearing tomorrow in the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC).
OSC Issues Updated Social Media Hatch Act Guidance
On February 13, 2018, the United States Office of Special Counsel released updated Hatch Act Guidance on Social Media to “help federal employees understand what the Hatch Act does and does not allow when using social media.”
Forging Ahead with Federal Leaders
On this week’s FEDtalk, host Ben Carnes will be joined by Senior Executives Association (SEA) President Bill Valdez and Federal Times’ Jessie Bur to discuss current challenges (as well as current opportunities) facing federal leaders.
Think Tank: Bring Back Congress’ Nerds
The resurrection of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) – an “expert advisory agency that served as a think tank within Congress from 1972 to 1995, and made important contributions to shaping technology policy in the United States and abroad,” but was eliminated in 1995 – could bring about sweeping improvements to Congress’ decision-making on modernization and other emerging technological challenges, according to a new policy paper released by the R Street Institute.
Seventh Circuit: Board Theory of OSC Remedy Exhaustion Too Stringent
A Special Agent at the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms filed an Individual Right of Action appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board, alleging that his supervisors retaliated against him after he disclosed his suspicion that another agent had improperly shot at a fleeing suspect, provided an inaccurate report of the shooting incident, and had committed perjury during the subsequent criminal trial.
The Delicate Budget Balancing Act
On the most recent FEDtalk, host Ben Carnes of Shaw Bransford & Roth was joined by a panel of budget experts to discuss the current federal funding landscape, how we got here, and whether there is any hope for a better future.
MSPB Releases FY 2017 Report
On January 19, 2018, the Merit Systems Protection Board issued its FY 2017 Annual Report, which highlighted the Board’s lack of quorum, the most “critical issue” during the past year.
Congress Signs Fourth Continuing Resolution to Delay Shutdown
Nearly three days after the government’s funding lapsed, causing the federal government to shutdown over the weekend and through much of Monday, the U.S. Senate signed another short-term continuing resolution – the fourth such resolution since the Fiscal Year began in October 2017 – that funds the government through February 8th.
New Year, New Liabilities
As the new year begins, we reflect on the past year thinking about family, friends, work, the future.
Lawmakers Call for 3% Pay Raise for Feds in 2019
Even as budget disagreements from 2017 continue to linger into the new year, conversation is already turning to next year’s budget, with President Trump’s 2019 budget proposal expected sometime next month. In light of that expected milestone, some lawmakers are hoping to get a head-start on negotiations, calling for a 3 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2019.