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The FED Weekly 11-17 Jan 2026 (Episode 33)
Episode 33

The FED Weekly 11-17 Jan 2026 (Episode 33)

The FED Weekly

January 18, 202621m 7s

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Show Notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we review key developments for federal employees and retirees during mid-January 2026. Highlights include the House passing vital agency funding bills, new protections to ensure federal pay during shutdowns, and a crackdown on improper payments to deceased individuals. The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act brings retroactive benefit payments to millions, while retirees see annuity increases offset by rising Medicare premiums. Updates on new digital data platforms, pay raises (with a focus on law enforcement), changes to union rights, and modernized hiring policies are covered. Lawrence also discusses ongoing challenges, including retirement application backlogs, the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, legislative proposals affecting job security, and efforts to reclassify civil service roles. The episode underscores the rapidly changing landscape and the importance of staying informed about policies impacting federal careers, benefits, and retirement.

  • (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
  • (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
  • (07:41) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
  • (12:31) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
  • (20:31) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

Topics

federal workforcecivil servicefederal retirement benefitsFERSmerit-based protectionsOPMtelework policyVA workforce reductionDepartment of Veterans AffairsDepartment of DefensePentagon civilian cutsbudget reconciliationpay raisesmerit Systems Protection Boardfederal employee privacyDOGEdata sharingfederal unionsCOLApostal serviceUSPS leadershipNational Rural Letter Carriers AssociationAPWUPostmaster GeneralNARFretirement cutsperformance managementin-office work mandatesMSPB claimsfederal benefit formulas