Federal Circuit: MSPB Wrong to Reject Evidence of Depression as Mitigating Factor
A Materials Engineer fired from the Department of the Navy for being absent without leave and falsifying time records successfully appealed the decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board to affirm his removal.
Well-Known Moderate Dent Latest Republican To Announce Early Resignation
Congressman Charlie Dent, a Republican from Pennsylvania well-known in D.C. for being a reliably moderate voice within Congressional Republican ranks, announced today that he would be resigning in “coming weeks,” following an earlier announcement that he would retire at the end of his term.
Incidents Leading to Involuntary Retirement Claim Must Be Reviewed 'Collectively'
To determine jurisdiction in an involuntary retirement appeal, the Merit Systems Protection Board must consider an appellant’s claims “collectively as a series of escalating incidents,” rather than one by one, the Federal Circuit recently held.
Tax Reform Change Threatens ‘Potentially Ruinous’ Damage To Some Feds’ Finances
The recent passage by Congress of a sweeping tax reform effort is having “potentially ruinous” unintended consequences for some federal employees who have had to relocate for work.
House Republicans Considering Rare Tactic to Roll Back Appropriations
According to Roll Call, House Republicans may employ “lesser-used provisions of the 1974 budget law to roll back spending by impounding some of the appropriated funds” contained within the 2018 omnibus spending bill.
The President’s Tech & Science Agenda
Host Ben Carnes of Shaw Bransford and Roth will delve into the Trump Administration’s tech and science agenda with guests Carten Cordell, a Senior Technology Reporter at FedScoop, as well as Derek B. Johnson, a reporter at FCW.
Protect Yourself Against Fraud
WAEPA has just published The 2018 Consumer Assistance Guide – designed to help Federal Employees – like you – spot scams and better protect yourself against fraud.
Speculation Swirls around Ryan Resignation
According to Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV), there is a “rumor” that Speaker of the House Paul Ryan might soon announce his resignation. Rep. Amodei made the statement in an interview with a local news station.
Federal Circuit: No Harmful Error in Drug Testing Case
After the Department of the Navy drug-tested him following a crane accident, a Rigger Supervisor with the Department of the Navy argued that his subsequent removal for illegal drug use violated due process because the Agency did not follow its own regulation and provide him advance written notice of the purpose of the drug test.
Reclaiming 'Good Enough for Government Work'
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “good enough for government work”?
U.S. Accuses Russia of Attacks on Critical Infrastructure and Elections, Imposes Sanctions
Last Thursday, the Trump administration announced the imposition of sanctions against Russia in response to what it deemed an organized effort to hack elements critical to American infrastructure, including aviation systems and the U.S. energy grid.
Dissecting IT Modernization in the President's Management Agenda
With the Trump Administration releasing the Presidents Management Agenda this week, we’ve assembled a panel of experts to discuss key components of the agenda this Friday.
Is Your Career in Good Hands?
Cases are won and lost based on the quality of legal representation. If you become the target of an allegation or investigation, one of the first things the agency or investigators will want to know is who is your liability carrier–or–who is your attorney.
OPM Receives First Confirmed Director Since July 2015
Late last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed by voice vote Jeff Pon, President Trump’s choice to serve as the new director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the agency tasked with overseeing the administrative and human resources needs of the federal workforce.
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.