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GovExec
@govexec.bsky.social
· Nov 18
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Immigration judges tell Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz they feel "if they step a toe out of line right now…or they're one [asylum] grant away from being fired because of the arbitrary nature of the firings.” buff.ly/md1MShR
‘Climate of fear': Immigration judges say functioning of their court system is in jeopardy due to Trump’s firings
The Trump administration is pushing out dozens of judges, who say the changes are slowing down and politicizing the system.
www.govexec.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Immigration judges tell Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz they feel "if they step a toe out of line right now…or they're one [asylum] grant away from being fired because of the arbitrary nature of the firings.” buff.ly/md1MShR
COMMENTARY: Every taxpayer dollar should count. Former OMB controller David Mader outlines practical steps to make government more transparent, efficient and focused on results. buff.ly/anx3Wtj #PublicService
I spent 50 years in government and here’s how to fix it
COMMENTARY | After serving under presidents from Johnson to Obama, David Mader has seen what works and what doesn’t in government and why improving it is about making it serve the public better, not…
buff.ly
November 14, 2025 at 6:04 PM
COMMENTARY: Every taxpayer dollar should count. Former OMB controller David Mader outlines practical steps to make government more transparent, efficient and focused on results. buff.ly/anx3Wtj #PublicService
Federal employees across government returned to their offices on Thursday—for the first time in 43 days, for about 650,000 of them—with digital piles of unanswered emails, abandoned contracts and, in some cases, a physical loss of access to buildings and devices. buff.ly/NbPkWpH
‘We'll probably waste millions again:’ Feds dig out of 43 days’ worth of piled-up work
Hundreds of thousands of employees stepped into their offices on Thursday for the first time in more than six weeks, with daunting backlogs before them.
www.govexec.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Federal employees across government returned to their offices on Thursday—for the first time in 43 days, for about 650,000 of them—with digital piles of unanswered emails, abandoned contracts and, in some cases, a physical loss of access to buildings and devices. buff.ly/NbPkWpH
Most feds are set to receive #backpay for the 43‑day #shutdown, with payments starting as early as this weekend and continuing through Nov. 19. Sr. Correspondent Erich Wagner breaks down who gets what and when: buff.ly/8KzkZHy
Trump admin says feds should get at least most backpay by Nov. 19
GSA and OPM workers will be the first to see the first month’s work of pay—belayed by the 43-day government shutdown—with what the White House is calling a “super check” that should be delivered on…
www.govexec.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Most feds are set to receive #backpay for the 43‑day #shutdown, with payments starting as early as this weekend and continuing through Nov. 19. Sr. Correspondent Erich Wagner breaks down who gets what and when: buff.ly/8KzkZHy
The Congressional Budget Office and an industry group for federal contractors both predict the government won’t return to pre-shutdown operational levels until 2026. A partial funding lapse could start at the end of January without congressional action.
Agencies could still be digging out from shutdown when funding deal ends, association says
The Congressional Budget Office and an industry group for federal contractors both predict the government won’t return to pre-shutdown operational levels until 2026. A partial funding lapse could…
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Congressional Budget Office and an industry group for federal contractors both predict the government won’t return to pre-shutdown operational levels until 2026. A partial funding lapse could start at the end of January without congressional action.
BREAKING: As many as 650,000 furloughed employees expected back soon, with paychecks restored and #shutdown layoffs reversed after the 43-day government shutdown ends. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz explains what comes next: buff.ly/i0Wrqj3
Government to reopen after House votes to end longest-ever shutdown
Many furloughed workers, who will receive backpay, were already told Wednesday to report to work the following day for the first time in nearly six weeks.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 1:30 AM
BREAKING: As many as 650,000 furloughed employees expected back soon, with paychecks restored and #shutdown layoffs reversed after the 43-day government shutdown ends. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz explains what comes next: buff.ly/i0Wrqj3
After the Office of Personnel Management cancelled this year’s iteration of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, the Partnership for Public Service stepped in to fill the void with its own survey of federal workers. buff.ly/J4aoxfQ
Nonprofit launches FEVS alternative after OPM’s cancellation of official survey
The Public Service Viewpoint Survey aims to at least partially fill the void left by the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which OPM cancelled this year despite a legal requirement that it be…
www.govexec.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:13 PM
After the Office of Personnel Management cancelled this year’s iteration of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, the Partnership for Public Service stepped in to fill the void with its own survey of federal workers. buff.ly/J4aoxfQ
The acting inspector general at the Education Department is being replaced for the second time this year, and the watchdog’s new leader is an IG official who seems to have shared social media posts supporting Donald Trump. buff.ly/STpSXjr
New watchdog at Education Department may have shared pro-Trump social media posts
This latest replacement of the acting Education inspector general comes as the president has fired or removed more than 20 of the agency watchdogs.
www.govexec.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:26 PM
The acting inspector general at the Education Department is being replaced for the second time this year, and the watchdog’s new leader is an IG official who seems to have shared social media posts supporting Donald Trump. buff.ly/STpSXjr
OPM faces historic #retirement delays as deferred resignees begin offboarding. Sr. Correspondent Erich Wagner explains it all here:
OPM’s retirement backlog skyrockets as deferred resignees begin offboarding
The federal government’s dedicated HR agency is sitting on the most pending retirement applications since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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November 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
OPM faces historic #retirement delays as deferred resignees begin offboarding. Sr. Correspondent Erich Wagner explains it all here:
Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz breaks down what federal agencies need to know in the funding agreement that could end the #shutdown: buff.ly/hYOLsi7
Major takeaways for federal agencies on the funding deal to reopen government
Congress appears poised to end the longest-ever shutdown later this week with a bill with major implications for several key agencies.
www.govexec.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz breaks down what federal agencies need to know in the funding agreement that could end the #shutdown: buff.ly/hYOLsi7
Judge: Education Dept. violated furloughed workers’ First Amendment rights by blaming Democrats for the shutdown in furloughed employees’ out-of-office messages. Sean Michael Newhouse breaks down the ruling here:
Education Department can’t use furloughed employees’ out-of-office emails to blame shutdown on Democrats, judge rules
The American Federation of Government Employees filed a lawsuit after Education staffers reported that their out-of-office messages had been modified.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Judge: Education Dept. violated furloughed workers’ First Amendment rights by blaming Democrats for the shutdown in furloughed employees’ out-of-office messages. Sean Michael Newhouse breaks down the ruling here:
Our 2026 FEHB Open Season checklist breaks down what to review and how to save on healthcare next year. You can find it here: buff.ly/4OmVS8C #openseason
Use this checklist to make the most of 2026 FEHB Open Season
From rising premiums to fewer plan choices, this guide walks you through reviewing benefits, checking provider networks and using tax-advantaged accounts to keep your healthcare costs in check next…
www.govexec.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Our 2026 FEHB Open Season checklist breaks down what to review and how to save on healthcare next year. You can find it here: buff.ly/4OmVS8C #openseason
Federal workers could see backpay and layoffs paused as Senate #shutdown deal moves forward. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz has the details: buff.ly/smGq5ik
Senate moves shutdown-ending deal that would ensure backpay and unwind some federal layoffs
A bipartisan agreement to end the longest-ever government shutdown, would fund some agencies through fiscal 2026 and the rest through January, and guarantee backpay for furloughed workers.
www.govexec.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Federal workers could see backpay and layoffs paused as Senate #shutdown deal moves forward. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz has the details: buff.ly/smGq5ik
Trump’s administration continues reshaping federal oversight with the removal of another acting inspector general. Sean Michael Newhouse covers it here: buff.ly/pNbCxe5
Housing regulator watchdog ousted, another in Trump’s ongoing replacement of acting inspectors general
Trump has replaced at least five acting IGs and fired nearly 20 of the oversight officials.
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Trump’s administration continues reshaping federal oversight with the removal of another acting inspector general. Sean Michael Newhouse covers it here: buff.ly/pNbCxe5
Investors lost billions after Fiserv revised earnings projections, and now senators are asking whether SSA chief Bisignano's role at the company influenced federal contracts. Erich Wagner reports on probe here:
SSA chief Bisignano faces probe from Wyden and Warren over Fiserv stock and federal contract concerns
The Social Security commissioner has come under fire in recent days as shares in his former company depreciated shortly after his tax-advantaged divestiture from the financial technology firm.
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November 7, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Investors lost billions after Fiserv revised earnings projections, and now senators are asking whether SSA chief Bisignano's role at the company influenced federal contracts. Erich Wagner reports on probe here:
Federal unions are suing over a new job application loyalty question they say screens out candidates based on politics, raising fresh alarms about partisanship in federal hiring. Sr. Correspondent Erich Wagner has details: buff.ly/fsW47Xi
Unions sue over ‘loyalty question’ for federal jobseekers
Earlier this year, the Office of Personnel Management added a series of essay questions to the federal hiring process, including one that asked jobseekers about their favorite Trump executive order…
www.govexec.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Federal unions are suing over a new job application loyalty question they say screens out candidates based on politics, raising fresh alarms about partisanship in federal hiring. Sr. Correspondent Erich Wagner has details: buff.ly/fsW47Xi
Lawmakers are looking at ways to shield federal employees from layoffs as negotiations continue to reopen government. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz explains what's happening here: buff.ly/VYJ6Yr3
There is bipartisan interest in federal worker layoff protections in any deal to reopen government
Republicans have floated reversing RIFs and Democrats are noting promising progress in negotiations.
www.govexec.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Lawmakers are looking at ways to shield federal employees from layoffs as negotiations continue to reopen government. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz explains what's happening here: buff.ly/VYJ6Yr3
The latest federal employee union lawsuit filed challenging President Trump’s executive orders aimed at stripping collective bargaining rights focuses on the actions of VA Secretary Doug Collins in implementing—and selectively enforcing—the edicts. buff.ly/wJeiZpQ
November 5, 2025 at 11:26 PM
The latest federal employee union lawsuit filed challenging President Trump’s executive orders aimed at stripping collective bargaining rights focuses on the actions of VA Secretary Doug Collins in implementing—and selectively enforcing—the edicts. buff.ly/wJeiZpQ
The Federal Aviation Administration is reducing flights in 40 “high-traffic” markets by 10% due to staffing shortfalls resulting from the government shutdown, officials announced on Wednesday, as employees are increasingly calling out instead of working without pay. buff.ly/NtrhIdo
FAA plans to cut 10% of flights in major markets due to shutdown-related staffing issues
Air traffic controllers are increasingly not showing up to work while their paychecks are withheld.
www.govexec.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:36 PM
The Federal Aviation Administration is reducing flights in 40 “high-traffic” markets by 10% due to staffing shortfalls resulting from the government shutdown, officials announced on Wednesday, as employees are increasingly calling out instead of working without pay. buff.ly/NtrhIdo
Former officials, including some pushed out by President Donald Trump, shared stories from their federal service at a National Academy of Public Administration event. buff.ly/3EKp6DE
November 5, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Former officials, including some pushed out by President Donald Trump, shared stories from their federal service at a National Academy of Public Administration event. buff.ly/3EKp6DE
"It's important to say we're still talking and hopefully progress will be made.” -- Sen. Gary Peters says about incremental progress in #shutdown talks. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz breaks it down here: buff.ly/DvIlYvI
‘We’re closer to the end': Lawmakers signal some progress in bipartisan talks to end shutdown
Funding lapse set to reach record levels but senators in both parties voice mild hope of progress.
www.govexec.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM
"It's important to say we're still talking and hopefully progress will be made.” -- Sen. Gary Peters says about incremental progress in #shutdown talks. Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz breaks it down here: buff.ly/DvIlYvI
With many FEHB plans seeing double-digit increases and changes in out-of-pocket costs, federal workers need to take a closer look at what’s changing in 2026. We have some details here:
FEHB costs are climbing in 2026. Here’s what that means for feds
From higher premiums to new IVF coverage, many plans are shifting next year. Here’s how to find out what’s different in your plan and what it will cost you.
buff.ly
November 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
With many FEHB plans seeing double-digit increases and changes in out-of-pocket costs, federal workers need to take a closer look at what’s changing in 2026. We have some details here:
Accused of politicizing student loan forgiveness, Trump administration faces a new lawsuit. Sean Michael Newhouse reports on it here:
Alleged politicization of public service student loan forgiveness sparks lawsuit against Trump administration
The Education Department published a rule that could block federal student loan borrowers who work for entities that provide assistance to migrants or trans youth from the Public Service Loan…
buff.ly
November 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Accused of politicizing student loan forgiveness, Trump administration faces a new lawsuit. Sean Michael Newhouse reports on it here:
Government #shutdown strains airports as TSA, air traffic controllers call out. Read more from Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz: buff.ly/szo0tsT
Airports seeing spike in shutdown impacts as TSA screeners and air traffic controllers call out
Some airports are seeing three-hours lines while dozens have experienced shutdown-related delays.
www.govexec.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Government #shutdown strains airports as TSA, air traffic controllers call out. Read more from Sr. Correspondent Eric Katz: buff.ly/szo0tsT
Every federal retirement fund finished in the black again this month, though gains slowed from September. Details:
Growth slowed in most TSP funds in October
Despite a slowing rate of return, last month still marked the third consecutive month in which all portfolios in the Thrift Savings Plan all increased in value.
buff.ly
November 3, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Every federal retirement fund finished in the black again this month, though gains slowed from September. Details: