Federal Newscast

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.

(4/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A no-show job and 31 government-paid trips to Orlando, leave an Army contracting officer to plead guilty to conspiracy and 10 counts of theft. Senators Braun and Ernst revive a bill to withhold the salaries of feds who don't pay their taxes. And the Air Force unveils a new strategy to fill nearly 2,000 job openings for pilots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: With robberies against postal workers at epidemic levels, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durban implores the Justice Department to aggressively prosecute. NASA continues to struggle attempting to keep up with diversity in federal workforce. And the Veterans Affairs Department sets its sights on finding permanent housing for 38,000 homeless veterans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/25/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A court awards some Oregon VA employees, added leave and back pay in a COVID-related case. An alleged transgression costs a major government contractor $22 million. And the Technology Modernization Fund Board hands out more millions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/24/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's debt limit proposal evokes backlash from the largest federal employee union. The Department of Homeland Security announces new measures to address AI advances, as well as threats from China. And the VA warns that the debt-ceiling proposal by House Republicans would cut tens of thousands of jobs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Postal Service’s regulator is reviewing the agency’s plans to consolidate its delivery network. The Secret Service has a new deputy director. And lawmakers are still trying to figure out what to about the troubled rollout of the VA's new Electronic Health Record.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Other than strong Marine Corps numbers, recruiting struggles continue across the military. The Inspector General at the Energy Department says she needs more funding. And federal employees may soon see better access to child care services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directs DoD’s CIO to immediately issue new procedures on handling classified information. A Biden cabinet secretary gets called out for violating the Hatch Act. And OPM washes it hands of COVID-19, by removing it from its operating status.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The VA and NIH are launching a five-year study into the chronic condition known as Gulf War Illness. The Defense Department has named a new director for its Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. And the final piece to modernize the TIC 3.0 requirements has arrived.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/17/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The President's new federal telework guidance elicits backlash from House Republicans. The Postal Service inspector general’s office and the IRS are teaming up to stop tax-refund fraud. And the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires agencies to provide more accommodations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The False Claims Act brings the Justice Department $3 million from software giant Adobe. The Government Publishing Office makes some high-tech moves to make passports more secure. And with a slight survey-score decrease, the National Science Foundation is still one of the "Best Places to Work."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The FAA is conducting a pilot program that does not include a human pilot. The Defense Department wants to know what creates risk factors for military families. And a much-needed fix is coming to the SAM.gov platform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Lawmakers try to strengthen a law designed to stop illegal opioids from coming through the mail. OMB is close to finalizing new requirements for software security. And the FCC launches its Space Bureau.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you see a robed figure on the corner with a sign reading, "The End is Near," take note. He could be talking to federal contractors. The longer the debt limit debate in Congress drags on, the more likely it will interrupt federal buying. To go deeper, Federal Drive host Tom Temin spoke with federal sales and marketing consultant Larry Allen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lots of nation's impinge on the Arctic Circle. Even more try to use it strategically, like China. That's why, for years, the U.S. Coast Guard has been stepping up its patrols in the Arctic and why it convinced Congress to fund two new heavy ice-breaking ships. At the recent Sea Air Space conference, Federal Drive got an exclusive update from Coast Guard Vice Commandant, Admiral Steve Poulin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No cybersecurity measure is 100% reliable. That's why agencies need a dose of resilience -- the ability to get back to normal -- if a cyber attack were to succeed. For how to get more resilient, a group of smart thinkers got together in Washington. Federal Drive host Tom Temin spoke with one of them: Tony Scott, a former federal chief information officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/11/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Alabama's Fort Rucker sheds its Confederate moniker with a name change. USA Jobs is back online. And snail mail just got more expensive, again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(4/10/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some House Republicans are demanding eight years of Energy Department data, about employees who might have violated conflict-of-interest rules. GAO says the Defense Department still needs to work on fixing its privatized military housing. And AFGE membership continues to grow.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, almost half of all CFO Act agencies have fewer employees today than in 2010.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 good government group has a new initiative trying to bridge the gap between agencies and federal job applicants. 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, bicameral lawmakers are urging the Office of Personnel Management to share its plan to reduce wait times for processing federal employees’ retirement claims. 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, an IRS watchdog says agency employees don’t have a proper channel to offer their feedback. 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, U.S. intelligence officers have new restrictions on working for foreign governments when they retire.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.