Federal Newscast
2,340 episodes — Page 15 of 47
GSA attacks unconscious bias, with identity-verification technology
(8/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The General Services Administration is taking on unconscious bias, with identity-verification technology. The Patent office changes the name of its scholars program from Thomas Edison to Marian Croak. And sexual harassment at America's military academies shows no sign of improvement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mental-health struggles remain a concern for those seeking security clearances, survey shows
(8/17/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Congress weighs-in on the process of how agencies are moving to the cloud. Mental-health struggles remain a concern for those seeking security clearances. And feds get a little boost in their reimbursable travel allowance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DoD mobilizes resources to help in Hawaii
(8/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The FBI is getting a new leader to take on insider threats. The Defense Department mobilizes resources to help in Hawaii. And the saga of the CIO-SP4 contract continues.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House Republicans want to freeze hiring at the Education Department
(8/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: An IRS watchdog says the handling of sensitive taxpayer records is often sloppy. CISA launches a new program to help bolster the network security of critical infrastructure organizations. And Republicans look to "get feds out of the classroom" by freezing hiring at the Education Department.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Telework pros and cons still unknown in the long run, GAO says
(8/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The recent Chinese hack of a Microsoft vulnerability, prompts DHS to step-up its analysis of all threats to cloud environments. The Postal Service is launching a new initiative to address declines in mail volume. And all those opinions on telework might all be wrong.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The IRS appears to have counted out some taxpayers a bit too soon
In today's Federal Newscast, an IRS watchdog finds the agency incorrectly flagged tens of thousands of taxpayers as deceased.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Labor Department now has better ability to dig into discrimination claims against federal contractors
In today's Federal Newscast, the Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is strengthening its ability to investigate and remedy employment discrimination allegations filed against federal contractors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Agencies will soon be able to get feedback on what it's like working with them
In today's Federal Newscast, five years since issuing the notice of proposed rulemaking, agencies can finally conduct 360 degree reviews with their contractors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Military recruiters may need to dive deeper on the kinds of folks they bring aboard
In today's Federal Newscast, the Defense Department needs to do more to avoid recruiting criminals or political extremists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
One of SBA's signature contracting programs is on hiatus
In today's Federal Newscast, the Small Business Administration is putting a temporary pause on adding new applicants to its disadvantaged business program. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As POTUS, DeSantis says he will "start slitting throats" of feds on day one
(8/4/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Military families will now be able to use $5,000 in pre-tax income to care for dependents. DoD's CIO mandates new rules for buying cloud services. And presidential candidate Ron DeSantis will "start slitting throats" of federal employees his first day on the job.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Interior Dept. reduces telework for executives, supervisors, managers
(8/3/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The State Department has launched a Bureau of Global Health to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. Airmen stuck overseas, due to lack of government money -- three weeks later -- have the funding. And top employees at the Interior Department get their telework opportunities cut to 50%.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Congressman investigates 'overreach' of 'coercive' 2021 vaccination order for federal employees
(8/2/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Calling it "coercive," Ohio Congressman Brad Wenstrup goes after President Biden's 2021 get-it-or-be-fired vaccination order for feds. A union for federal employees is supporting a bill to make union dues tax deductible. And most Thrift Savings Plan funds were back in the black in July.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Public trust in federal services more strongly influence by negativity
(8/1/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Thrift Savings Plan participants can now manage their installment payments in My Account. GSA is asking whether another change is required in the way agencies buy cloud services. And it's negative over positive when it comes to the public judging experiences with federal services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ransomware attackers steal personal info of over 600K Medicare beneficiaries
(7/31/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Ransomware attackers steal the personal information of more than 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The Defense Department now has an independent military prosecutor for the most serious offenses. And the FDIC makes plans to plug three holes in the cloud.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senator wants agencies to investigate Microsoft's 'lax cybersecurity practices'
(7/28/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wants agencies to investigate what he calls Microsoft's "lax cybersecurity practices." GSA's commercial platforms initiative is gaining steam. And Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wants answers to "price gouging" by TRICARE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
New Air Force Chief of Staff awaits senate confirmation
(7/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new Air Force Chief of Staff is waiting in the wings. A Justice Department employee group urges the attorney general to resist efforts to reduce telework. And Congress demands answers about the cancellation of MyTravel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Federal contractor guilty of a $7 million methodology mistake
(7/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Harry Coker, an alumnus of the NSA and CIA, is nominated to serve as national cyber director. In less than a fortnight, the Air Force reinstates its aviation retention bonuses. And a federal contractor is guilty of a $7 million methodology mistake.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Group of military spouses plead with Senator Tommy Tuberville to release his hold on military appointments
In today's Federal Newscast, military spouses call on Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama to end his block on Senate confirmed military appointments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A big pay day for a whistleblower from a major government contractor
In today's Federal Newscast, a government contractor agrees to pay one of the biggest fines in the history of the False Claims Act. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Teleworking FAA begins its descent toward the in-office tarmac
(7/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Partnership for Public Service announces its 2023 People’s Choice Award winner. The electric vehicle commitment of federal agencies has just be supercharged. And the teleworkers at the Federal Aviation Administration, have just begun their descent toward the in-office tarmac.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Air Force embeds recruiters in flyover country to find new cadets
(7/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Microsoft will soon give it away for the sake of cybersecurity. The Office of Personnel Management is drafting new qualification standards for federal wildland firefighter management jobs. And the Air Force embeds recruiters in the Hinterlands to find new cadets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sen. Grassley puts a hold on Biden's Deputy VA pick
(7/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) puts a hold on President Biden's pick for VA deputy secretary. It looks like the Space Force will become the first military service with its own personnel system. And the TSA gears up to land new tech employees in top positions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
USAID the latest agency to move toward less telework
(7/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: USAID has put a policy in place to limit telework. Congress moves to reduce employment barriers for military spouses, when a service member receives relocation orders. And the Intelligence Community gets new hiring incentives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3,000 military reservists might be on their way to Europe
(7/17/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The General Services Administration is rethinking how it'll decide where to build a new FBI headquarters. Two decades of sexual harassment and assaults at the Coast Guard Academy have Congress calling for the inspector general. And 3,000 military reservists might be on their way to Europe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kaine thinks he's able to kill Schedule F
(7/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is taking another stab at killing Schedule F. There are some more return-to-office changes in the works for a couple of agencies. And President Joe Biden’s pick for second-in-command at the Department of Veterans Affairs is heading for a full Senate vote.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Federal firefighters' temporary pay raise goes permanent
(7/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Department of Homeland Security will see a change in a key leadership position. The law that governs federal cybersecurity is getting a bipartisan overhaul. And it looks like federal firefighters finally landed a permanent pay raise.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House GOP VA Committee members look to make firing of poor-performing employees easier
(7/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: House Republicans are looking to make it easier to fire employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's abortion views lead to unfilled officer slots in the U.S. military. And the State Department looks to bring back retired diplomats.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Both Virginia Senators call out DoD for foot-dragging reforms to privatized military housing
(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.
Former financial counselor faces federal charges for allegedly defrauding gold star family members
(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.
Two GOP lawmakers look to defund armed regulatory officers at certain federal agencies
(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.
CISA adds new faces to its top leadership team's cybersecurity division
(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.
NTEU expresses concerns about telework, budgets, and DEI issues
(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.
DoD takes steps to combat foreign influence in federally-funded scientific research
(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.
Senator hopes to speed up passport process before summer ends
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.
Another attempt to lessen the effect prior marijuana use has on getting a security clearance
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.
A gift for DHS employees with America's birthday right around the corner
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.
Workers at the Social Security Administration are sounding the alarm
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.
House lawmakers continue to ask questions about GSA's Login.gov troubles
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.
House Armed Services passes $874 billion defense authorization bill
(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.
Deleted texts get Homeland Security IG probed again
(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.
Pentagon IG calls for full investigation into 21 missing shipping containers in Kuwait
(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.
Black sailors discharged for 'bad conduct,' receive official stamp of approval
(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.
Latest loser among Confederate leaders: Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk
(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.
Huge pay raise in the works for America's military
(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.
FEHB enrollees will soon be empowered to amass a bigger nest egg for health care expenses
(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.
IRS needs more precision in doling out cash awards to whistleblowers, IG says
(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.
Suspension extended for horse-drawn caissons at Arlington National Cemetery
(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.
Deleted texts newest reason given to DHS IG to immediately resign
(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.
House Democrats continue to spar with Homeland Security's inspector general
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.