Here We Go Again
After five weeks of recess, both chambers of Congress will return to Washington, D.C., on September 9th. Committee work will restart, speeches will be made on the floor, and representative work for the American people will begin again. For anyone, returning to work can be an arduous undertaking, but for this first session of the 116th Congress it is set to be particularly so. As of the writing of this article, the Senate has yet to pass any appropriations bills to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) and Congress has a little over three legislative weeks to avoid the second government shutdown of 2019.
Cyber Reskilling Academy Reports Success
Federal Chief Information Officer Suzette Kent has boasted the success of the first graduates of the Cyber Reskilling Academy. The academy was started as a pilot to gauge interest and ability to reskill sectors of the federal workforce to prepare for increased cyber needs. Attendees gained two certifications as a result of their participation in the program.
VA Feels Pressure to Address Veteran Suicides
Following a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General Office (IG) regarding veteran suicide, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman is calling upon the VA to take agency wide action to mitigate the problem. The president has also spoken up on the issue and called for increased resources to VA facilities to combat depression.
Legislative Update: Big Bills Of The Summer
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure, or continuing resolution (CR), to fund the government until December 20. House members voted Tuesday with the hopes of moving the legislation to the Senate for a vote later in the week and onto the president’s desk for signature before the current CR expires at midnight on Thursday.
Need Time Off for Religious Holidays in 2019? Know Your Responsibilities
As summer time-off requests come to an end, it’s time to start thinking about your religious observances and any time off you may need in the coming months.
State Department OIG Reviews Politicization, Improper Personnel Practices
A State Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) report released this month reviewed allegations of mismanagement at the Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO). The report details “deficiencies and mistreatment” of career employees by leadership and management within the department.
Agencies Provide Insight into Student Loan Repayment Program in OPM Report
A report from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) found that several agencies are making good use of student loan repayment programs as a tool for recruitment and retention. The report details the average amounts given to employees as well.
The Importance of Whistleblower Protection
Tune in to FEDtalk this week for a discussion on the importance of whistleblower protection. Whistleblowers play a key role in ensuring oversight and accountability within the federal government. Leading whistleblower advocates will break down current whistleblower protections, gaps in public policy, and a path for enhancing protections.
Bill Drafted To Make Domestic Terrorism A Federal Crime
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure, or continuing resolution (CR), to fund the government until December 20. House members voted Tuesday with the hopes of moving the legislation to the Senate for a vote later in the week and onto the president’s desk for signature before the current CR expires at midnight on Thursday.
Fifth Circuit: Duration of Immigration Stop, Not the Questions Asked by Agents, Determines Its Constitutionality
On May 26, 2017, Miguel Angel Vega-Torres was a passenger on a commercial bus that stopped at a border patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias, Texas. Border Patrol Agent David Gonzalez conducted an inspection of the bus at the checkpoint. During that inspection, Agent Gonzalez asked Vega-Torres for his citizenship documentation. Vega-Torres handed Agent Gonzalez his Legal Permanent Resident (“LPR”) card. Agent Gonzalez had a difficult time matching Vega-Torres’s face with the LPR card photo because Vega-Torres was occupied on his cell phone and made brief eye contact with Agent Gonzalez.
State Department Hiring Freeze Had Broad, Significant Impacts, OIG Found
The State Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report this month assessing the impact of a hiring freeze within the department. The report found the freeze to have wide ranging negative impacts, particularly on the Trump administration's long term reform goals. The challenges continued after the freeze was lifted.
Coding it Forward Offers Roadmap for Recruiting Young People to Public Service
Last week, 53 college students completed a 10-week fellowship with the federal government called Coding it Forward, where they worked within agencies to improve data and technology projects. During their final presentations, several students discussed the importance of attracting young people to public service and opportunities for the government to improve their recruitment strategy.
Clay-Khanna Announce Legislation To Alter Use Of Force For Federal Law Enforcement
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure, or continuing resolution (CR), to fund the government until December 20. House members voted Tuesday with the hopes of moving the legislation to the Senate for a vote later in the week and onto the president’s desk for signature before the current CR expires at midnight on Thursday.
Life Insurance: Term versus Whole
Life insurance exists to help protect your loved ones in case you pass. These policies are usually created as part of an overall estate plan. Two of the most common types of life insurance available are Term and Whole. Each has their own benefits. Review how the two compare:
White House Chief of Staff Offers New Reasoning for Relocations
White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney changed the narrative this weekend on the administration’s plan to relocate federal employees out of the nation’s capital. Originally, the proposal to move several agencies was explained for logistical reasons. This weekend, Mulvaney described it as a desire to encourage federal employees to quit their positions.
Human Resource Officials Caution Congress Against Hiring Authorities
During a committee hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee held last week, federal human resource executives urged Congress not to provide agencies with new hiring authorities. The HR professionals argued these authorities complicate a process and are rarely used properly.
Preparing Young People for Public Service
Tune in to FEDtalk this week for a discussion on the transition between college and government. The guests will cover how the federal government is currently struggling to recruit and retain young people in public service. Guests will also highlight projects by both government entities and stakeholders to encourage individuals to join the next generation of federal government work.
Senate Passes Bipartisan Presidential Transition Reform
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure, or continuing resolution (CR), to fund the government until December 20. House members voted Tuesday with the hopes of moving the legislation to the Senate for a vote later in the week and onto the president’s desk for signature before the current CR expires at midnight on Thursday.