Federal Newscast
2,312 episodes — Page 40 of 47
2018 Combined Federal Campaign kicks off
In today’s Federal Newscast on Federal News Radio, the Office of Personnel Management says its starting this year’s CFC with more upgrades to the online donation system.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DARPA to invest $2 billion in AI technology
In today's Federal Newscast, a new campaign from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency looks to develop new artificial intelligence technologies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump hints at agreement to avoid government shutdown
In today’s Federal Newscast, speaking to supporters last night, the President says he’s secured commitments from Congressional leaders to fund a border wall.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Veterans Health Admin. not ensuring its reusable equipment is cleaned
In today's Federal Newscast, a Government Accountability Office report finds VHA has no rules or stipulations to ensure the equipment is properly processed after use.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DoD pushes back deadline for JEDI proposals
In today’s Federal Newscast, the Pentagon says its moving the deadline of its Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure at the request of offerrers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Looking for a job? VA has over 45,000 openings
In today's Federal Newscast, the Veterans Affairs Department releases figures on employment vacancies at the agency as of June 30.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
State Dept. wraps up investigation into possible attack at Cuban embassy
In today's Federal Newscast, the agency reviews how it handled a possible sonic attack on its embassy in Havana, Cuba.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Former security officials irked by Spanberger questionnaire release
More than 200 former national security professionals want answers from the Office of Personnel Management and the Director of National Intelligence about how and why the U.S. Postal Service released the confidential national security questionnaire of congressional candidate Abigail Spanberger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senate Democrats target wasteful spending by political appointees
Four Democratic senators have introduce a bill that would crack down on wasteful spending by political appointees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
CFPB: More important than ever for service members to monitor their credit
In today's Federal Newscast, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reminds service members that changes to the Defense Department's continuous evaluation program mean they need to be more careful about paying their bills on time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Army tests thousands military homes for lead poisoning dangers
In today’s Federal Newscast, a new report from Reuters shows over a thousand small children living in base housing had elevated levels of lead in blood tests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Panel rules veterans may be able to file class action lawsuits against VA
In today’s Federal Newscast, the U.S. Court of Appeals opens up the possibility for veterans to file suit collectively, instead of as individuals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senate passes budgets for DoD, HHS, Education, and Labor
In today’s Federal Newscast, the Senate passes a bill funding the Defense Department until the end of September 2019, giving it a total of $675 billion for next year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some NLRB employees offered buyouts and early retirement
In today's Federal Newscast, the National Labor Relations Board says years of flat funding led to an imbalanced staff at N-L-R-B headquarters and its regional offices.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
IG: Veterans Benefits Administration wrongly denied hundreds of military sexual trauma claims
In today’s Federal Newscast, a new report from the Veterans Affairs Department’s inspector general finds VBA improperly processed and denied some 1,300 military sexual trauma claims in 2017.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Head of Federal Housing Finance Agency accused of sexual harassment by former employee
In today’s Federal Newscast, Mel Watt, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency is being accused of making unwanted advances towards a former employee who has now gone public with her claims.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
VA Secretary Wilkie hampers unions' use of collective bargaining rights
In today's Federal Newscast, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie rules unions can no longer use collective bargaining rights when negotiating issues tied to professional conduct and patient care by VA providers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GPO looks for another Census vendor after first choice goes bankrupt
In today’s Federal Newscast, The Government Publishing Offices takes another stab at finding a vendor to print and mail 2020 census forms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senator worried about potential budget cuts to several IG offices
In today's Federal Newscast, a new report from Senator Claire McCaskill's (D-MO) office says the Trump administration's fiscal 2019 budget plan would substantially cut five Inspectors General office's budgets and give nine IG offices less than what they outlined in their budget requests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House Dems want investigation of Trump admin.'s nondisclosure agreements
In today's Federal Newscast, following an inspector general report showing most of the Homeland Security Department's nondisclosure agreements do not comply with federal whistleblower laws, congressional overseers worry about how NDA's are used at other agencies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Wilkie begins to assemble new leadership team at VA
The new Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said several new people will be taking top-level leadership positions at the agency shortly. Pamela Powers will be the department's new chief of staff, Chris Syrek will be VA's deputy chief of staff, and Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd will be the acting assistant secretary for human resources and administration, replacing Peter Shelby, who left VA earlier this summer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Wilkie begins to assemble new leadership team at VA
The new Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said several new people will be taking top-level leadership positions at the agency shortly. Pamela Powers will be the department's new chief of staff, Chris Syrek will be VA's deputy chief of staff, and Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd will be the acting assistant secretary for human resources and administration, replacing Peter Shelby, who left VA earlier this summer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OPM suggests agencies allow more telework for DC area feds amid Metro track work
In today’s Federal Newscast, the Office of Personnel Management is encouraging agencies to let Washington-area employees use telework and other workplace flexibilities for the next two weeks during Metro’s major track work.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump admin wants Space Force up and running by 2020
In today's Federal Newscast, the Pentagon officially announces its plans to establish a sixth branch of the military focused on space.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GAO: Funding questions remain for President Trump's proposed wall at southern border
In today's Federal Newscast, the Government Accountability Office says Customs and Border Protection is not factoring in certain factors when determining the cost for the proposed wall at the U.S. southern border.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
'Modest decrease' in amount of contractors debarred or suspended last year
In today's Federal Newscast, the Interagency Suspension and and Debarment Committee's latest report to Congress shows fewer federal contractors were punished in fiscal 2017.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Embattled agency getting permanent leader
In today’s Federal Newscast, Ronald Vitello will be nominated as the new permanent director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
FEMA overpaid temp workers during hurricane response last year
In today’s Federal Newscast, a new report from the Homeland Security Department’s Inspector General highlights FEMA’s workforce issues during disaster deployments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
NDAA amendment calls for reviewing clearance status of DoD leaders convicted of sexual assault
In today’s Federal Newscast, an amendment in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act calls for investigating whether military or defense leaders found guilty of sexual assault or harassment should retain their security clearances.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Regulatory action has decreased significantly under Trump administration
In today's Federal Newscast, new analysis shows significant regulatory activity has fallen 74% since the new team took office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Former VA worker convicted of defrauding disabled veteran
In today's Federal Newscast, a Veterans Affairs field examiner was hoping to steal nearly $700 thousand from a disabled veteran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Millennials are getting less and less mail
In today’s Federal Newscast, the Postal Service’s inspector general says adults between the ages of 18 and 34 received significantly less mail in 2017 than the year before.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Pentagon now has ‘Do-Not-Buy’ list for risky software companies
To listen to the Federal Newscast on your phone or mobile device, subscribe on PodcastOne or Apple Podcasts. The best listening experience on desktop can be found using Chrome, Firefox or Safari.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Final version of NDAA passes the House
In today's Federal Newscast, the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act clears the House, bringing servicemembers one step closer to a pay raise.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bill to streamline HR hiring at Veterans Affairs passes House
In today's Federal Newscast, a newly passed House bill would reform the way the Veterans Affairs Department hires human resources people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Provision calling for higher buyout values scrapped from NDAA
In today’s Federal Newscast, the House and Senate could not agree on a provision in the 2019 defense authorization bill calling for $40,000 Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments for federal employees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Most agencies are still not fulfilling spending data requirements
In today’s Federal Newscast, the Government Accountability Office says only 15 out of 53 agencies met DATA Act requirements for complete, timely, and accurate spending data reports.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump taps healthcare investigator for new VA accountability position
In today's Federal Newscast, the President names Tamara Bonzanto to take over as the new assistant secretary for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the Veterans Affairs Department.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Agencies could block employee access to social media, email under proposed law
A House bill has been passed out of committee to give agency heads the power to restrict employee access to certain websites, including Facebook and personal emails. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) said his bill will improve cybersecurity and cut down on information leaks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Lawmakers battle over letting US Postal Service offer financial services
House lawmakers have offered competing bills on the future of a proposal to allow the U.S. Postal Service to allow banking and other financial services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Internal poll shows FBI employees lack confidence in the bureau’s leadership
FBI employees have reported a sharp drop in their confidence in Director Christopher Wray and his senior leaders. The findings undercut President Trump's claim that the FBI was in turmoil and its agents had lost confidence in James Comey before the president fired him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Industry groups urge Congress to create a speedy security clearance process
Defense industry trade groups are urging the House and Senate armd services committee to reform laws needed to speed up the background checks for mission-critical federal jobs and contractors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
VA urged to stem vet suicides by streamlining the hiring of more mental health workers
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been urged to stem the rise in veteran suicides by streamlining the hiring of mental health professionals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Senate confirms ethics veteran and unexpected nominee Emory Rounds to head agency
The Senate has confirmed Emory Rounds as the new director of the Office of Government Ethics. Rounds has been at Ethics since 2009, and his nomination was a pleasant surprise for ethics experts because of the high profile clashes the office has had with President Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In search of a quorum, hearings for MSPB nominees are set to begin
The Senate has announced long-awaited hearings for three nominees to the Merit System Protection Board. The agency that handles appeals from the Civil Service Commission has lack a quorum to do business for more than 18 months. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House Dems increase pressure on President Trump to rescind executive orders
House Democrats are increasing their pressure on President Donald Trump to rescind his recent executive orders on official time and collective bargaining.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
CBP: Stories of families being separated at ports of entry are false
In today's Federal Newscast, Todd Owen, the Customs and Border Protection executive assistant commissioner in its Field Operations Office, said CBP rarely separates immigrant families at ports of entry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Former military leaders call on President Trump to end ban on transgender troops
In today’s Federal Newscast, almost three dozen former military officers and officials say the ban undermines national security.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
FDA having trouble retaining supervisors and managers
In today's Federal Newscast, according to an assessment of its own workforce, nearly have of senior leaders at the Food and Drug Administration are eligible to retire in the next two years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
New program lets young military truck drivers put skills to use in the private sector
In today's Federal Newscast, the Transportation Department is letting a “limited number” of young veterans and military reservists who’ve obtained the military equivalent of a commercial drivers license operate commercial trucks on domestic highways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.