The FED Weekly

Dave Faulk

Welcome to The FED Weekly, the go-to podcast for current and retired U.S. federal employees who need to stay informed on the issues that matter most. In a rapidly changing political landscape, we deliver concise, weekly updates on the legislative, executive, and agency-level actions that have a direct impact on your professional life and financial future.

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#72
Sunday · 17 min
(Ep 72) The FED Weekly 11-17 Oct 2026
The conversation focused on major policy updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 11–17, 2026. One concept discussed was the impact of a 29% staffing cut at HUD, with concerns over lost expertise and service delays. A key theme that emerged was OPM’s launch of a new government-wide recruitment strategy targeting more early-career hires and coordination across agencies. The discussion explored a redesign of the federal pay table website and updates on retirement benefits, with the official 2027 COLA set at 3.6% for CSRS and Social Security and 2.6% for most FERS retirees, highlighting differences in eligibility and deductions. Several points were raised, including a federal court order blocking significant USDA relocations, elimination of the 52-week time-in-grade promotion rule, and new regulatory language around administrative leave and workforce restructuring. The article also highlighted disputes at the VA over the expiration of a major union contract. Additional coverage included targeted recruitment to fight government fraud and a report on pressure facing federal HR specialists managing numerous reforms amid staff shortages. The broader landscape is marked by ongoing legislative, legal, and administrative changes with direct effects on careers and benefits. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Kickoff (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - GAO Warns on HUD Cuts (02:45) - OPM Recruitment Strategy (04:07) - New Pay Table Website (04:46) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (04:50) - Official 2027 COLA (06:10) - FERS COLA Explained (07:22) - Notices and Medicare Premiums (09:13) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:16) - Court Blocks USDA Moves (11:12) - Time in Grade Ends (12:30) - Admin Leave and Resignations (14:27) - VA Union Contract Fight (15:45) - Tech Force Fraud Hiring (16:26) - HR Specialists Under Strain (17:14) - Wrap Up and Subscribe
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#71
October 11 · 17 min
(Ep 71) The FED Weekly 4-10 Oct 2026
The conversation focused on key updates for federal employees and retirees during the week of October 4th to 10th, 2026. One concept discussed was the September Thrift Savings Plan returns, with four out of five core funds losing value, but year-to-date results for stock funds remaining positive. The discussion explored OPM’s launch of an AI chatbot for federal workforce data, and the start of one-time $90 Medicare Part B rebates for qualifying beneficiaries. A key theme that emerged was process improvement, with OPM’s retirement claim backlog falling below 9,000 and faster average processing times reported. Several points were raised, including the introduction of H.R. 1718 to help former employees correct records, SSA’s announcement ending alternative work schedules, the Bureau of Prisons’ new attempt to terminate its union contract, and a House bill that would standardize telework requests government-wide. The summary highlighted ongoing policy shifts, labor disputes, and legislative proposals with potential future impacts, emphasizing the importance of staying informed in a changing federal workplace. (00:00) - Welcome and Weekly Briefing (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - TSP September Returns (02:38) - OPM AI Data Chatbot (03:53) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (03:56) - Medicare Part B Rebate (06:30) - Retirement Backlog Update (08:30) - Bill for Record Corrections (10:26) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (10:29) - SSA Ends Compressed Schedules (12:21) - BOP Union Contract Fight (14:14) - Telework Request Bill (16:46) - Wrap Up and Subscribe
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#70
October 4 · 18 min
(Ep 70) The FED Weekly 27 Sep - 3 Oct 2026
The conversation focused on major developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of September 27 to October 3, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the significant rise in 2027 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) premiums, averaging a 10.9% increase for enrollees, with the third consecutive year of double-digit hikes. The discussion explored factors contributing to these increases, such as higher healthcare and prescription drug costs, and highlighted the importance of carefully reviewing plan options during Open Season, as changes vary widely by plan and by enrollee circumstances like Medicare coordination. Several points were raised, including OPM’s report of over $500 million in health benefits fraud prevention, new guidance to accelerate federal hiring processes, the end of the Army’s civilian hiring freeze, and updates on federal hiring questions following recent litigation. In labor relations, the Bureau of Prisons was ordered to restore its union contract, with a related lawsuit filed against the EPA over its own contract termination. The episode emphasized the evolving landscape for federal workers and retirees, urging vigilance during benefit elections and awareness of ongoing legal and procedural changes in federal employment and labor rights. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Kickoff (00:44) - FEHB Premiums Jump 2027 (02:44) - PSHB and FEDVIP Updates (03:22) - Open Season Dates and Choices (04:01) - Health Benefit Fraud Savings (05:29) - Retiree Open Season Strategy (06:59) - FSAFEDS Changes for 2027 (07:37) - No New COLA Data Yet (08:51) - New Time to Hire Rules (10:53) - New Federal Essay Questions (12:56) - Army Lifts Hiring Freeze (14:20) - BOP Union Contract Restored (16:23) - EPA Union Lawsuit Filed (17:42) - Wrap Up and Subscribe
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#69
September 27 · 19 min
(Ep 69) The FED Weekly 20-26 Sep 2026
The conversation focused on major developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of September 20-26, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the debate over the proposed 2027 federal pay freeze, with a bipartisan congressional group urging leaders to match law enforcement’s 3.8% raise for all civilian employees and referencing broader recruitment and retention challenges. The discussion explored a major workforce lawsuit settlement, requiring the administration to retract reduction-in-force plans tied to the 2025 shutdown, and highlighted updates for retirees awaiting the 2027 COLA adjustment—projected near 3.5%—which will be finalized after October CPI data. Several points were raised, including OPM’s new performance management policy capping the top two ratings at 40%, tying higher ratings to larger awards, and increasing agency authority for approving substantial cash bonuses. The discussion also covered litigation over reservist differential pay dating back to 2009, as well as Air Force and Space Force plans to restore over 4,300 civilian positions after reassessing critical staffing needs. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - 2027 Pay Raise Push (03:35) - Shutdown RIF Settlement (05:54) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (05:57) - COLA Countdown Update (07:04) - Open Season Prep Guide (08:39) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (08:42) - Performance Rating Cap (11:29) - Bigger Cash Awards (13:35) - Removal Rules Comments (15:04) - Reservist Pay Lawsuit (16:55) - DoD Civilian Staffing Return (18:54) - Wrap Up and Subscribe
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#68
September 20 · 18 min
(Ep 68) The FED Weekly 13-19 Sep 2026
The conversation focused on critical developments impacting federal employees and retirees during the week of September 13-19, 2026. One concept discussed was OPM’s request for information on optimizing FEHB and Postal Service Health Benefits plan offerings, asking whether more, fewer, or different plan options would better balance choice, cost, and simplicity. The discussion explored a GAO report revealing agencies spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave in 2025, largely due to the Deferred Resignation Program, and highlighted the challenges of accurately tracking these costs. Another key theme was renewed Senate objections to OPM’s collection of detailed health claims data, with privacy and cybersecurity concerns for millions of current and former employees. Several points were raised, including OPM’s new rule for shared hiring certificates to streamline federal job recruitment, proposed changes to excepted service hiring, and an administrative stay temporarily freezing USDA employee relocations. Additionally, the GAO reported that whistleblower retaliation cases at DHS can take years to resolve, undermining confidence in the protections provided. (00:00) - Welcome and Overview (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - FEHB Plan Choices Review (04:02) - Deferred Resignation Cost (06:40) - OPM Health Data Privacy (09:05) - COLA Update Timing (09:43) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:46) - Pooled Hiring Rule (12:08) - Excepted Service Overhaul (14:01) - USDA Relocation Stay (16:00) - DHS Whistleblower Delays (17:46) - Wrap Up and Takeaways
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#67
September 13 · 16 min
(Ep 67) The FED Weekly 6-12 Sep 2026
The conversation focused on key federal workforce developments for the week of September 6–12, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the Office of Personnel Management’s shift toward long-term structural changes, including a new performance management system, decentralized employee surveys, centralized recruiting, and efforts to modernize federal HR technology. The discussion explored the impact of August inflation data, which points to an estimated 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 federal retirees, pending September's final figures. Several points were raised, including significant court rulings: one blocking the administration from requiring civil service applicants to answer politically focused essay questions, and another finding the Department of Homeland Security’s workforce cuts at FEMA unlawful. A new lawsuit challenges the Department of Agriculture’s planned employee relocations. The episode also covered updated reduction-in-force (RIF) rules, now tying employee retention points primarily to performance ratings rather than tenure, with major implications for job security. The conversation highlighted the ongoing transformation of federal workforce policy and emphasized the importance of staying informed amid rapid change. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - OPM Workforce Overhaul (01:30) - Performance and Surveys (03:15) - Recruiting and HR Tech (04:48) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (04:51) - 2027 COLA Update (07:56) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (07:59) - Hiring Loyalty Question Blocked (10:27) - FEMA Cuts Ruled Unlawful (12:16) - USDA Relocation Lawsuit (14:11) - RIF Rules Performance Points (16:05) - Wrap Up and Subscribe
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#66
September 6 · 17 min
(Ep 66) The FED Weekly 30 Aug - 5 Sep 2026
The conversation focused on major developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of August 30th to September 5th, 2026. A key theme was the passage of H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2027, signed on September 2nd, which funds federal agencies through December 11th and avoids an October government shutdown. The discussion covered updated federal workforce numbers from OPM, highlighting ongoing reductions from the Deferred Resignation Program and reorganizations. Several points were raised, including OPM’s new reduction-in-force rules, which place more weight on performance than tenure and revise the appeals process, and the Merit Systems Protection Board’s shift from the Douglas Factor framework for disciplinary actions, emphasizing case flexibility over a fixed 12-factor checklist. Additional updates covered the extension of the overtime pay cap waiver for federal wildland firefighters, pending legislation for more permanent changes, and a modest increase in federal travel per diem rates. No major new policies were enacted specifically for retirees this week, and the next significant COLA and benefits updates are pending future data releases. The discussion underscored the need for federal employees and retirees to keep up with these dynamic policy changes. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:28) - Shutdown Deadline Ahead (04:11) - OPM Workforce Data Update (06:20) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:29) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:21) - MSPB Discipline Rule Shift (13:40) - Firefighter Overtime Extended (15:25) - FY2027 Per Diem Increase (16:50) - Wrap Up and Subscribe
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#65
August 31 · 18 min
(Ep 65) The FED Weekly 23-29 Aug 2026
The conversation focused on key federal workforce and retirement updates from August 23-29, 2026. One concept discussed was the impact of deferred resignation programs, revealing that most departing employees under these initiatives were not replaced, and replacements often came in at lower average grades. A key theme was the proposed 2027 civilian federal pay freeze, except for a 3.8% raise for certain law enforcement roles. The discussion explored new OPM rules on performance ratings and suitability determinations, now subject to a federal union lawsuit. Several points were raised, including major proposed EEOC changes to the discrimination complaint process, OPM’s finalized expanded critical position pay authority, and new guidance encouraging the use of artificial intelligence in federal hiring to speed up recruitment. For retirees, the week was relatively quiet, with no significant new policies affecting benefits. Overall, the episode underscored the rapidly changing environment for federal employees and retirees and emphasized the need to stay informed about evolving legislation and policies. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Deferred Resignation Fallout (03:35) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (05:26) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (05:29) - 2027 Pay Freeze Plan (07:57) - Unions Sue OPM (10:32) - EEOC Complaint Overhaul (13:07) - Critical Pay Expansion (15:16) - AI in Federal Hiring (17:40) - Wrap Up and Takeaways
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#64
August 23 · 21 min
(EP 64) The FED Weekly 16-22 Aug 2026
The conversation focused on key updates affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of August 16-22, 2026. One concept discussed was the upcoming requirement for comprehensive verification when adding family members to federal health benefits during the 2027 Open Season, making documentation essential. A key theme was legislative efforts to close a retirement benefit gap for certain Customs and Border Protection officers, with H.R. 8844 potentially increasing benefits for affected groups, pending final passage. The discussion covered OPM’s new performance rating calibration system, which will immediately affect appraisal processes in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing the need for employees to document achievements carefully. Several points were raised, including a significant arbitration ruling requiring USDA to reinstate telework provisions for certain employees, new Defense Department pilot programs to streamline EEO complaint procedures, and the Air Force tightening suitability checks for new civilian hires. The episode also highlighted the operational impact of workforce reductions at Army depots, illustrating challenges in maintaining expertise and production. Overall, the episode underscored rapidly changing policies, urging federal workers to stay informed and keep documentation ready for upcoming shifts in health, employment, and benefits regulations. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Health Benefits Verification (03:15) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (03:18) - CBP Retirement Fix Explained (08:10) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (08:13) - Performance Ratings Overhaul (11:24) - USDA Return to Office Ruling (14:06) - DoD EEO Pilot Programs (15:56) - Air Force Suitability Checks (17:17) - Army Depot Staffing Impacts (19:59) - Wrap Up and Key Takeaways
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#63
August 16 · 13 min
The FED Weekly 9-15 Aug 2026 (Episode 63)
The conversation focused on the latest legislative updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of August 9-15, 2026. Key topics included proposed lifetime identity theft protection for victims of the 2015 OPM data breach, with pending legislation aiming to extend coverage and insurance beyond the current September 2026 expiration. The discussion covered the release of July’s inflation data, the first data point in calculating the 2027 federal retiree COLA, with September and October readings determining the final adjustment. Several points were raised, including major workforce proposals like expanding paid family and medical leave, broadening access to workers’ compensation providers, and limiting mandatory educational requirements for contractor personnel. A summary also covered bills addressing federal facility air quality assessments and punitive measures for federal employees found noncompliant or dishonest in congressional investigations. A key theme that emerged was the importance of staying informed, as these changes remain legislative proposals and have not yet taken effect. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:36) - RECOVER PII Details (04:05) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (05:51) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (07:26) - Workers Comp Access (09:10) - Skills Based Contracting (10:21) - Indoor Air Quality Review (11:36) - STOP the SWAMP Act (13:16) - Wrap Up and Next Dates
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#62
August 9 · 22 min
The FED Weekly 2-8 Aug 2026 (Episode 62)
The conversation focused on the latest federal policy and legislative developments from August 2-8, 2026, impacting both active and retired federal employees. A key theme was the Senate’s advancement of a bipartisan stopgap spending measure to avert a government shutdown, with important provisions to prevent politicization of federal grants and maintain agency operations through December 11, 2026. The discussion explored advocacy campaigns for the Saving the Civil Service Act, aimed at protecting merit-based jobs and shielding workers from political interference. For retirees, several points were raised, including grassroots efforts backing the Equal COLA Act to ensure fair cost-of-living adjustments for FERS retirees, and updates on payment schedules. For current workers, analysis covered the potential 2027 pay freeze, regulatory changes limiting union arbitration, a court injunction upholding VA union contracts, new legislation on paid family leave, workplace safety, and improved workers’ compensation. Other updates included a lawsuit against the EEOC’s suspension of class discrimination claims and a new VA policy supporting broader competition in IT procurements. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:06) - NARFE Advocacy Month (06:03) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:24) - Payment Dates And Events (09:22) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:55) - Arbitration Rule Shakeup (14:33) - VA Union Contract Ruling (16:46) - Paid Leave And Safety Bills (19:35) - EEOC Class Action Freeze (20:43) - VA Cloud Procurement Memo (22:01) - Wrap Up And Subscribe
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#61
August 2 · 18 min
The FED Weekly 26 Jul - 1 Aug 2026 (Episode 61)
The conversation focused on major news impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 26 to August 1, 2026. One concept discussed was the importance of long-term investing in the Thrift Savings Plan, highlighting data showing that consistent contributions lead to significantly higher retirement account balances over multi-decade careers. A key theme that emerged was the impact of recent legislation and policy changes, such as the Social Security Fairness Act repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, with practical guidance for retirees navigating retroactive payments and survivor benefits. The discussion explored OPM’s new regulations centralizing workforce discipline and appeals, stripping jurisdiction from the independent Merit Systems Protection Board and raising civil service due process concerns. Several points were raised, including controversial leave policy suspensions at the IRS and SSA, union pushback, ongoing litigation over the VA’s collective bargaining agreement, and a Senate bill proposing IRS reforms with bipartisan support. The episode concluded by emphasizing the need for federal employees and retirees to stay informed amidst ongoing legislative and regulatory changes. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Kickoff (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:58) - TSP Wealth Building Basics (01:40) - TSP Data and Fund Strategy (04:50) - Staffing Cuts Hit Data Agencies (05:39) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (05:50) - Social Security Fairness Act (08:26) - OPM Digital Retirement Processing (09:32) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:45) - OPM Centralizes Appeals Power (13:02) - IRS and SSA Leave Crackdown (15:08) - VA Union Contract Court Fight (16:34) - IRS Reform Bill Advances (17:35) - Wrap Up and Next Week
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#60
July 26 · 19 min
The FED Weekly 19-25 Jul 2026 (Episode 60)
The conversation focused on key legislative and regulatory updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 19–25, 2026. Major developments included the unanimous House passage of H.R. 8823, which strengthens anti-fraud provisions in the Federal Employees Compensation Act, and new bipartisan efforts to improve indoor air quality in federal buildings in response to environmental concerns. A key theme that emerged was benefit adjustments for retired personnel, notably the application of earnings limits on the FERS Annuity Supplement and the mechanics of COLA calculations. The discussion explored finalized and proposed changes to federal Suitability Regulations, impacting how employees can be removed and their appeal rights. Several points were raised, including an arbitration ruling restoring IRS telework agreements, streamlined lump-sum relocation payments from H.R. 6330, ongoing FEMA leadership vacancies, new cybersecurity advisories about critical software vulnerabilities, and policy changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that prompted legal challenges. The episode underscored the continually shifting policy landscape and emphasized the importance of staying informed on developments that directly shape federal careers, benefits, and retirement security. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - House Passes FECA Anti Fraud Bill (04:52) - Indoor Air Quality Upgrades (06:07) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (06:10) - FERS Supplement Earnings Test (08:52) - COLA Rules Explained (11:11) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:14) - OPM Suitability Rule Shakeup (12:45) - IRS Telework Arbitration Win (14:17) - Relocation Pay Reform and FEMA Nominee (16:23) - Cybersecurity Alert and PSLF Rule (18:35) - Closing and Next Week Preview
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#59
July 19 · 17 min
The FED Weekly 12-18 Jul 2026 (Episode 59)
The conversation focused on the latest developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of July 12-18, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the introduction of the bipartisan PROMISE Act, designed to force Congress to address long-term Social Security solvency, with the 2026 Trustees Report forecasting potential benefit cuts by late 2032 if lawmakers fail to act. Several points were raised, including rising cost-of-living adjustments, changes to federal healthcare plans—such as increased premiums and prescription costs—and the controversial restriction on coverage for gender-affirming care, which has prompted legal challenges. The discussion explored the financial vulnerability of USPHS and NOAA retirees during government shutdowns, recent educational resources for navigating federal retirement, and a landmark arbitration decision restoring telework rights for Forest Service employees after unilateral cancellations tied to a presidential directive. Operational modernization efforts, leadership hearings, and agency reorganizations—including GSA cost-cutting initiatives and Space Development Agency launches—were also covered. The episode emphasized the shifting landscape for the federal workforce and the ongoing importance of staying informed. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - PROMISE Act Explained (04:12) - COLA Tracking Update (05:33) - FEHB Plan Changes (07:51) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:54) - Shutdown Pay Lawsuit (09:44) - Retirement Planning Webinars (11:03) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:06) - Telework Arbitration Win (13:59) - Modernization and Leadership
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#58
July 12 · 20 min
The FED Weekly 5-11 Jul 2026 (Episode 58)
The conversation focused on major changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 5–11, 2026. One concept discussed was the Office of Personnel Management’s shift to digital-only retirement processing, which has resulted in faster claim handling but requires meticulous form completion and a six-month cash reserve. A key theme that emerged was cost pressures, with significant FEHB premium increases and debates over OPM’s proposed access to medical records. The discussion explored Thrift Savings Plan performance, recent reforms like penalty-free withdrawals, and limits on postal rate increases. Several points were raised, including judicial preservation of Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules and sweeping reforms to performance appraisals—such as removing “minimally satisfactory” ratings and allowing forced distributions—that drew strong union and agency opposition. The reinstatement of Schedule F converted thousands of senior employees into at-will positions, stripping civil service protections. Additional issues highlighted include changes to hiring, decentralization of the Employee Viewpoint Survey, workplace training opportunities, significant leadership vacancies, and proposals for new government-wide nondisclosure agreements. The episode concluded by emphasizing the importance of staying informed amid rapid and consequential changes in the federal workforce landscape. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Digital Retirement Shift (02:43) - Avoiding ORA Delays (04:38) - FEHB Premium Pressure (05:44) - TSP Returns And SECURE (08:41) - Postal Pricing Limits (09:03) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:07) - PSLF Court Block (09:37) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:40) - Performance Ratings Overhaul (12:38) - Schedule Policy Career Returns (13:33) - RIFs And Separation Incentives (15:22) - FEVS Decentralized (16:11) - Hiring And Promotion Changes (17:12) - Labor Suits And NDAs (19:40) - Wrap Up And Subscribe
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#57
July 5 · 20 min
The FED Weekly 28 Jun - 4 Jul 2026 (Episode 57)
We recap key developments for federal employees and retirees for the week of June 28 to July 4, 2026. Major regulatory changes include a new OPM rule implementing stricter verification for family member eligibility in health benefits, projected to save millions by curbing improper payments. President Trump signed an executive order mandating the shift to post-quantum cryptography for federal systems, protecting sensitive personnel and retirement data. The Supreme Court reshaped independent agency leadership, removing job protections for most but preserving them for the Federal Reserve. A controversial proposed NDA for federal employees sparks public and legislative opposition, while paper-based retirement applications are phased out in favor of digital processing, aiming for faster pension payments. Retirees face ongoing FERS disability retirement delays, complicated by OPM’s requirements for physical ink signatures and non-automated dental/vision deductions during interim payments. For current employees, proposed rule changes streamline accountability and expand OPM’s authority to remove unsuitable workers and enact government-wide debarments. Recruitment initiatives tighten, with special programs for engineers and strict workforce reduction rules. Lawrence emphasizes staying informed amidst ongoing policy shifts affecting pay, job security, and benefits. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:31) - Post Quantum Security Shift (06:09) - Supreme Court Agency Control (07:56) - OPM Nondisclosure Debate (10:04) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (11:49) - FERS Disability Pitfalls (13:29) - Payments And Supplement Watch (14:08) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (16:10) - Suitability Rule Expansion (17:50) - Resignations And Reclassification (18:25) - Recruiting And Hiring Limits (19:37) - Wrap Up And Next Week
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#56
June 28 · 15 min
The FED Weekly 21-27 Jun 2026 (Episode 56)
The conversation focused on key federal workforce developments for the week of June 21–27, 2026. One concept discussed was the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) expanded health data collection, which raised significant privacy concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups due to potential HIPAA risks and OPM’s history of data breaches. The discussion explored major legislative news, including the postponement of the “Take Care of America’s Veterans” Act, largely due to controversy over proposed cuts to veteran benefits and labor protections. A key theme that emerged was heightened congressional oversight, demonstrated by demands for the release of Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey plans after their cancellation and scrutiny of workforce reductions at agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Education. Several points were raised, including new electronic tax document delivery for retirees, judicial actions affecting staffing levels at federal agencies, the unionization of National Park Service employees, and regulatory reforms that increase contract transparency thresholds. Additionally, reproductive rights protections for federal workers and constitutional legal battles over agency firings and hiring practices were highlighted, underscoring the rapidly changing environment for federal employees and retirees. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - Health Data Privacy Fight (02:36) - Veterans Bill Showdown (04:01) - FEVS Survey Oversight (05:24) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (06:32) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (06:35) - CFPB Layoffs Court Battle (08:06) - Education OIG RIF Report (09:49) - Reproductive Rights Protections (10:56) - FEMA Cuts and Signal Records (12:23) - NPS Union Vote at Glacier (13:16) - Courts and Contracting Overhaul (15:05) - Wrap Up and Next Week
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#55
June 21 · 20 min
The FED Weekly 14-20 Jun 2026 (Episode 55)
Major updates include strict new eligibility verification requirements for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, set to begin July 1, and a looming audit to remove ineligible dependents. Rising health insurance premiums are straining both active and retired employees, with many survivors now facing “negative net annuities,” in which pension payments don’t cover health insurance premiums. Ongoing processing delays at the Office of Personnel Management continue to impact retirees. Congress debates the Jawbone Act to prevent government-imposed online censorship, while federal worker unions challenge politically charged hiring questions on USAJobs.gov. Facility relocations—NSF and HUD—are delayed and over budget, exacerbating workforce stress. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is criticized for eroding union protections and reducing disability benefits, while the Major Richard Starr Act seeks to expand military retiree benefits. Additional highlights include cuts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, new rapid VA hiring policies, and legislative moves to restore collective bargaining at the Department of Defense. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying informed amid a rapidly changing workforce and retirement landscapes. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:55) - Premium Hikes And Plan Changes (04:32) - Negative Net Annuities Crisis (05:45) - JAWBONE Act And Free Speech (07:13) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:16) - TSP Modernization Bill (09:29) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:32) - Article II Firings En Banc Appeal (11:47) - USAJobs Essay Questions Lawsuit (13:41) - Agency Relocations And Costs (15:11) - VA Package And Worker Protections (17:26) - VA Hiring Speed Changes (18:03) - CISA Cuts And Cybersecurity Bill (19:04) - Other Workforce Updates (19:53) - Closing And Next Week
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#54
June 14 · 25 min
The FED Weekly 7-13 Jun 2026 (Episode 54)
The conversation focused on key updates affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of June 7–13, 2026. One concept discussed was the accelerated depletion date for the Social Security Trust Fund, now projected for 2032, which could trigger 22–28% benefit cuts if Congress fails to act. A key theme that emerged was the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which fully repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, substantially increasing benefits for many public-sector retirees. The discussion explored ongoing disparities in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) across retirement systems, with advocacy for the Equal COLA Act growing urgent as inflation rises. Several points were raised, including regulatory changes: a controversial non-disclosure agreement mandate for federal employees; the implementation of an at-will Schedule Policy; Career positions reducing job security; and a new CISA directive that overhauls federal cybersecurity requirements in response to AI-driven threats. Updates were also provided on challenges in retirement claim processing, new digital tools, trends in Medicare Advantage enrollment, and stalled legislation to raise federal VSIP buyout caps. Overall, the landscape for federal workers and retirees remains highly dynamic, with significant legislative, regulatory, and practical implications. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (03:16) - Fairness Act Payments Rollout (06:39) - OPM Proposed NDA Debate (09:00) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:03) - Legislative Bills and the Fight for Equal COLAs (12:16) - OPM Claims Processing Changes (14:49) - Medicare Advantage Surge (15:40) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:43) - Legislative Bills and the VERA/VSIP Cash Buyout Cap (18:05) - Schedule Policy Career Shakeup (21:36) - CISA BOD 26-04 Patch Rules (25:15) - Wrap Up and Next Week
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#53
June 7 · 28 min
The FED Weekly 31 May - 6 Jun 2026 (Episode 53)
This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of February 8-14, 2026. Key topics include the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, which left essential staff unpaid and sparked a major union lawsuit. The episode also reports on the end of a ban on federal workforce reductions, a proposed overhaul of the reduction-in-force appeals process, and new guidance for reclassifying high-level positions as “at-will.” Legislative updates include the introduction of the FAIR Act for a 4.1% pay raise in 2027 and the ongoing implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which is increasing payments for millions of retirees. Other highlights feature new tax rules for 2026, a spike in health insurance premiums, new retirement system efficiencies, workforce modernization initiatives, and the observance of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying informed as the federal landscape continues to evolve. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:08) - Backlash and Civil Service Fight (05:50) - Whistleblower Protections Bill (06:54) - Disability Retirement Court Win (08:37) - FERS Disability Rules Explained (11:12) - Pacific Northwest FEHB Network (12:00) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (14:53) - Taxes Roth and WEP GPO (16:19) - TSP May 2026 Performance (18:13) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (20:36) - Telework Rollbacks and Lawsuits (22:26) - USDA Relocations Staffing Crisis (23:44) - Civil Service Shrink and Safety (25:17) - Pay Promotion and Labor Ruling (27:33) - Closing and Next Week
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