Management
Legislative watchdog rebuffs DOGE efforts to install on-site team
“DOGE’s attempted intrusion into an independent, nonpartisan legislative branch agency is a direct assault on our nation’s sacred separation of powers,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee.
DOGE went looking for phone fraud at SSA — and found almost none
Since SSA installed new anti-fraud checks on claims made over the phone, only two claims out of over 110,000 were found to likely be fraudulent, according to internal documents obtained by Nextgov/FCW.
The Trump administration is staffing up parts of FAA, it’s also incentivizing thousands of departures and threatening layoffs
More than 2,700 employees have indicated they want to take an incentive offer to leave the agency, though the final number is subject to change.
More than 80 lawmakers from both parties urge Trump to unfreeze FEMA funding
The bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency urging support for a grant program that helps local communities strengthen their preparedness for natural disasters.
Republicans want Treasury to study free tax filing options — again
The reconciliation text being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee includes $15 million for the IRS to study how to give Americans free ways to file their taxes that would replace both the Free File and Direct File programs.
Trump’s Qatari Air Force One would pose massive security risks
Treating the aircraft as safe for the commander in chief with just a few modifications is "absurd," one former senior defense official said.
How William Howard Taft’s approach to government efficiency differed from Elon Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics
President Taft worked with Congress to launch his effort to streamline government, while Trump has taken a different route.
Trump administration tells court publicly releasing its mass layoff plans would hurt recruiting and retention
A judge's order pausing those layoffs is having varying effects at agencies, with at least one temporarily undoing RIF actions.
Standard leadership advice tough to practice under Trump’s government overhaul
Government experts recently offered guidance to public sector leaders on how to successfully manage teams in an unpredictable environment.
USPS confirms waste management executive and FedEx board member will serve as postmaster general
David Steiner will replace Louis DeJoy as the agency faces significant financial and political pressures.
That time when calling a president ‘old’ was a compliment
You’ve probably heard of Old Hickory. But what about Old Public Functionary?
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State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block
There were bipartisan concerns from lawmakers about a planned break-up of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, according to meeting notes. Office eliminations are expected by June 2.
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FEMA leader ousted, one day after publicly opposing agency’s elimination
Cam Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of the administrator at FEMA, was let go just one day after he testified before Congress about the size and scope of the federal agency.
IRS reverses staffing gains made under Biden
The tax agency has shed over 20,000 employees through the deferred resignation program, and more significant cuts are still expected.
Judge orders halt to the shuttering of three independent agencies
A federal judge found that the Trump administration violated the Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act and federal spending laws when it ordered the stripping down of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Minority Business Development Agency to their “statutory minimums.”
Limited number of agency senior executives could be rated as ‘outstanding’ under Trump proposal
The Trump administration has sought to exert more political influence over members of the senior executive service.
Some Republicans question Trump’s IRS budget cuts
The administration has proposed a $2.5 billion cut to the tax agency.
Trump administration releases first wave of acquisition regulation changes
This set of revisions would significantly shrink the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as well as empower contracting officers and acquisition teams to use their "business judgment" in pushing innovation.
Senate confirms Bisignano to lead Social Security
In a party line vote, Senate Republicans elected to disregard a whistleblower’s allegation that Frank Bisignano had improper contact with the agency to facilitate DOGE operatives’ onboarding.
Push to revoke certain Biden-era rules intensifies as congressional Republicans race against deadline
EPA waivers are being targeted for removal, even though the Government Accountability Office as well as an official who advises on Senate rules said they are exempt from the Congressional Review Act.
Former NSF heads criticize funding and staff cuts at science agency
Former National Science Foundation and National Science Board leads sent a letter to congressional leadership saying the cuts to the agency run contrary to the Trump administration’s priorities.
