Federal Newscast

(7/11/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Virginia Senators Warner and Kaine send a detailed letter to the Defense Department decrying the lack of reforms to privatized military housing. GSA is turning up its protections to better mitigate supply chain risks. And Customs and Border Protection lays out its agency-wide IT plans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(7/10/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A former Army financial counselor faces federal charges for allegedly defrauding gold star family members. Joint Chief Chairman Mark Milley picks his next senior enlisted adviser. And lawmakers call for changes, after a letter carrier dies delivering mail in a recent heat wave.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(7/7/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Two GOP lawmakers are looking to defund armed regulatory officers at certain federal agencies. The Office of Personnel Management reminds agency managers they must not forget the "weather and safety leave" option. And it looks like your latest Zoom meeting is probably a public record.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(7/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: GSA is making it easier for agencies to find Native American companies to contract with, thanks to a new online tool. CISA adds new faces to its top leadership team's cybersecurity division. And a collaboration between U.S. Cyber Command and industry that helps defend against cyber attacks is expanding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(7/5/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A union for feds sounds the alarm about telework, budgets, and DEI issues. What does it mean that agencies improperly paid out more than $247 billion? And IRS looks to beta-test a free, online tax-filing platform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(7/3/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department is taking steps to combat foreign influence in federally-funded scientific research. The time it takes to get a security clearance is holding steady. And a Florida-based small business and its owner will pay more than $7.7 million to settle allegations of False Claims Act violations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, one Senator says he’s working on legislation that would give the State Department more ways to handle its backlog of passport applications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, lawmakers are again trying to change how marijuana use factors into a security clearance decision. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, Department of Homeland Security employees get a nice surprise ahead of Independence Day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, employees at the Social Security Administration are warning that the agency's workforce challenges have become even more troubling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, the General Services Administration’s Login.gov service continues to be in the crosshairs of House lawmakers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/23/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The House Armed Services Committee sends an $874 billion defense bill to the House floor. The GAO says the military health care system still needs to complete Congressionally-mandated reforms. And the Senior Executives Association has a new president.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/22/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Military service members will soon get reimbursed for moving expenses for their pets. A bill advancing in Congress could mean $63 billion for DHS and 22,000 Border Patrol agents. And the Homeland Security IG is being probed again about his deleted text messages.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Pentagon IG wants an investigation to find out what happened to 21 vanished shipping containers in Kuwait. The Deputy Secretary at Homeland Secretary is retiring and heading to Atlanta. And NASA and Microsoft joined forces with young people in a big DC STEM space, with an eye toward space.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Philadelphia 15, Black sailors from the 1940s, who received bad-conduct discharges, are now deemed as honorable. The Space Force looks to launch a National Guard into its orbit. And thousands of VA police officers will soon be wearing body cameras.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: HUD's customer experience leader is stepping down. A new 30-member team's been picked to focus on ways to improve the Army experience for women. And Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk is the latest loser among Confederate leaders.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS has its third new technology leader in four months. Reforms to the national security classification system were just passed by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. And a hefty pay raise is in the works for American service members.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Homeland Security IG's deleted texts continue to vex Democrats in congress. A GOP-controlled House committee votes to fully fund the President's $300B request for the Dept of Veterans Affairs. And FEHB enrollees will soon be empowered to amass a bigger nest egg for health care expenses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Senator Ron Wyden thinks spy agencies might be going too far to get data on Americans. The Treasury's IG says the IRS could improve on how it awards cash to whistleblowers. And Congress looks to eliminate the Pentagon’s office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: OPM boosts awareness for those seeking and those running federal internship programs. HHS is close to finalizing an update to its data management strategy. And the 45-day suspension is extended for horse-drawn caissons at Arlington National Cemetery funerals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/9/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Testifying to deleted texts is the latest reason Congressman Bennie Thompson is giving for the immediate resignation of Homeland Security's Inspector General. With military readiness impacted, GAO highlights DoD lowlights of weapons acquisitions programs taking too long and exceeding cost estimates. And contractors finally have a new timeline for the OASIS+ contract.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, lawmakers look to address what they say is troubling behavior by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Federal Newscast, the Defense Department is warning security clearance holders to watch out for a sophisticated phishing email. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The acting director at Immigration and Customs Enforcement calls it a day. Congressman James Comer urges the President to nominate more permanent Inspectors General. And Air Force pilots can extend their military commitments and land a cool $50,000 bonus.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/5/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: TikTok has been banned again. (This time for federal-government contractors). Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants to play "20 questions" with DoD contractors over their pricing practices. And a new bill would strengthen a VA program that supports caregivers of veterans injured in the line of duty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/2/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: It's a mixed-bag in May for the Thrift Savings Plan. President Biden picks an Air Force Lt. Gen. to lead the Defense Intelligence Agency. And Houston has the most-recent World Series champs and it also leads the nation in dogs, perhaps named Astro, biting letter carriers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(6/1/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: President Biden has nominated a new Commandant of the Marines Corps. We have the latest "trust" numbers in a survey about federal employees. And the price of a stamp is going up...again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/31/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz prepares to end his 30-year career in 30 days. An Air Force disaster recovery response team is on its way to Guam. And the VA is pulling the mask off of certain mandates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/30/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Political campaigns prove to be a minefield for Hatch Act violators. Agencies have expanded their cyber defenses. And the Navy says the Guam typhoon means you can check out anytime you'd like, but you can never leave; at least not until July.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: President Biden nominates a replacement for outgoing Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley. VA Nurses, numbering about 14,000, have reached an agreement with their union. And there's not quite a six-digit number of folks with seven-digit TSP accounts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/25/23) - On today's Federal Newscast: Post COVID, FEHB carriers get approval to tweak their coverage. The Post Service is bleeding more money than expected and it's in the BILLIONS. And GOP lawmakers, seeing China red and ESG green, make a move to restrict certain TSP investments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/24/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Investors worry about TSP's future, if the government defaults on it debt obligations. Marines are spending more time in basic training. And the Thrift Savings Plan makes room for the new Office of Participant Experience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/23/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Disabled veterans will soon see a cost-of-living adjustment in their benefits. In January, a data error exposed the personnel info of employees from several agencies. And lawmakers want updates on the growing problem of stolen mail. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/22/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) wants to give an extra billion dollars to rank-and-file TSA workers. The Postal Service’s long-awaited dashboard, to track on-time mail delivery, is now live. And a Reston, Virginia-based company, with annual revenues of $7 billion, has a new CEO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: One senator thinks preserving a secret Parisian butchers’ language was a waste of American tax dollars. Lawmakers want to know what the State Department is going to do about the huge backlog of passport requests. And the Navy redoubles its efforts on mental health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Employees at DoJ urge Congress to oppose an abortion ban that would impact health benefits for feds. Colin Kahl will soon return to Stanford after helping steer the DoD policy ship and steering clear of Twitter. And GSA is increasing the RPMs toward electrifying the federal fleet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/17/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Senate Republicans join House Republicans in calling on federal workers to SHOW UP for work. A Transportation Department data breach puts more than 200,000 feds at risk of ID theft. And professors and Air Force Academy cadets look to have a robot defend bases.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House is being pressured to name a new cyber executive. A couple have senators have drafted a bill to require federal-agency leadership to get up-to-speed on Artificial Intelligence. And federal correctional officers continue the fight for COVID-19 hazardous-duty pay.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The members of the federal security cloud advisory committee have been made public. The Pandemic Relief Accountability Committee uncovers more dead people got paid COVID cash. And Fort Benning is no more. It's Moore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Bad conditions for horses at Arlington National Cemetery lead to a suspension of certain ceremonial processions. Senators urge President Biden to nominate inspectors general at the State and Treasury Departments. And CIA names a new lead to head up its sexual assault prevention and response office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/11/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Republicans have resurrected the effort to make some feds easier-to-fire at-will employees. DoD's acquisition chief blames Continuing Resolutions for ammunition shortages for Ukraine. And top Senate lawmakers make the case for a one-stop-shop for federal disaster aid.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/10/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The newest Biden mandate, so to speak, is that there is no COVID mandate. The Confederacy suffers another defeat, as Fort Hood gets a name change. And another mega contract is facing delays because of protests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/9/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has a hankering to hold Secretary of State Blinken in contempt of Congress. Ground forces: check. But GAO says the readiness of U.S. sea forces has declined. And HUD employee attrition blamed on a dearth of telework opportunities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/8/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The latest federal hiring strategy to get the interest of younger applicants. Military service members have a new avenue to seek mental health support. And all 27 Sammies finalists were unveiled today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/5/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: More federal employees could see their student loans forgiven under a newly introduced bill. The Defense Department CIO says zero trust could have stopped the classified-document leaks by the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman. And an industry group suggests President Biden's proposed greenhouse-gas-reporting regulation, could leave contractors gasping for air.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/4/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Justice Department's National Security Division expands big time, as it adds over two dozen new prosecutors to fight corporate crime. The backlog of Freedom of Information Act requests [across government] reaches new heights. And VA whistleblowers continue to increase their win-loss record.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/3/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: That new electric mail truck you've been waiting for is going to be about eight months late. As Army recruitment numbers continue to be down, the service is stepping up its sales classes for recruiters. And the 2024 CXO Fellows Program is taking applications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/2/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Targeting illegal immigration, a new Senate bill addresses staffing shortages at airports and other ports of entry. A black Lt. Gen, who ran the Defense Intelligence agency, dies at 64. And President Biden makes COVID mandates a thing of the past.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(5/1/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Newly introduced legislation would give FEHB participants more coverage for some assisted reproductive treatments. Two deadly helicopter crashes, lead the Army to hold an aviation-safety stand down. And GAO gets a new CIO next week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/28/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Wire fraud and filing a false tax return land a former Brigadier General in prison for a year. Two soldiers win a prize for inventing a solution for fixing mold issues in Army barracks. And agencies can now make 10-year appointments for STEM-related jobs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.