People
Trump signs continuing resolution, averting a midnight shutdown
The federal government is now funded through Dec. 20, giving lawmakers and the White House more time to agree on funding bills.
Cybersecurity
House passes new stopgap funding bill to avert shutdown
House and Senate appropriators are hopeful they can work out their remaining differences on spending bills in the period after the Thanksgiving recess and before the new continuing resolution expires.
People
New guidelines for hiring military spouses due by year's end
New provisions eliminate geographic restrictions, a two-year eligibility requirement and occupational licensing rules that often left military spouses in low-paying jobs for which they were overqualified.
People
IG, legislators condemn Trump administration for attacks on career officials
State Department Office of the Inspector General report alleges obstruction and political attacks on career civil servants
Cybersecurity
Chad Wolf poised to take over DHS
The Senate confirmed Wolf as undersecretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans, clearing the way for him to advance to replace Kevin McAleenan as acting head of the Department of Homeland Security.
People
Thrift Board backs China investment over lawmakers' objections
Despite criticism from multiple U.S. Senators, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board affirmed a move to invest in an index fund that includes Chinese state-owned companies.
Modernization
DOD's innovation board recommends hiring shortcuts for tech talent
The Defense Department's readiness in emerging technology areas such as data science will slip away unless it changes its hiring processes, according to the Defense Innovation Board's recommendations.
People
2019 FEVS reports on shutdown
Despite furloughs and no pay, agencies reported being well supported.
Digital Government
Implementing evidence-based policymaking
Agencies and the White House are getting into the weeds of how to put the OPEN Government Data Act into effect.
People
Agencies lag on IT workforce planning, GAO says
The congressional watchdog warned that agencies are putting billions in spending at risk by not taking steps to raise skills and competencies in the IT workforce.
Cybersecurity
Lieu seeks answers from White House about cybersecurity purge
A member of Congress wants Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to answer for recent reports that indicate the White House's cybersecurity team has been gutted.
People
AFGE president takes leave in the wake of sexual harassment allegations
J. David Cox says the charges, from at least 10 employees, are "scurrilous, politically-motivated attacks."
People
Democratic lawmakers look to block USDA relocations in funding measure
More than 30 lawmakers signed an Oct. 24 letter urging House and Senate appropriators to block funds to relocate two Department of Agriculture agencies out of Washington, D.C. to the Kansas City region.
People
OPM orders agencies to report 'official time' data
With workforce executive orders in effect, the Office of Personnel Management is looking for data on how much job time federal employees spend on union matters.
Cybersecurity
GAO highlights security threats to federal employees
Extremist views on public land control put federal employees at risk, and government officials have played a part, according to the chairwoman of a House subcommittee.
People
OPM offers a 'second chance' at federal employment
The Second Chance Act aims to help lower barriers for otherwise eligible federal employment applicants with criminal records.
People
OPM's new guide to reading employee viewpoint data
A new toolkit from the Office of Personnel Management focuses on using data to understand and improve employee-manager relations.
Digital Government
Security, modernization and people are key IRS challenges
The IRS should focus the next year on modernizing IT, improving security controls for its primary e-filing tool, eliminating critical vulnerabilities in servers used for personal devices and addressing its "serious" human capital crisis, according to Treasury auditors.
People
AI disruption and STEM jobs
OMB is currently drafting a memo and soliciting feedback from industry partners to regulate how agencies should use artificial intelligence in the workplace.
People