People

Biden formally announces 2% average pay raise for feds in 2025

The president each August must declare an “economic emergency” to prevent large automatic increases to locality pay from taking effect, in accordance with the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act.

Cybersecurity

How the White House cyber czar is working to breathe new life into America’s cybersecurity workforce

The national cyber director wants to prepare the next generation of cyber warriors. It starts with touring schools.

Cybersecurity

Former NSA chief wants academia to play larger role in national security

Paul Nakasone is pushing for new initiatives to bolster national security research and workforce recruitment. It begins with a new institute at Vanderbilt University next month.

People

OPM’s retirement backlog continued to creep higher in July

The Office of Personnel Management processed nearly 500 fewer retirement requests than it received last month, causing its backlog to inch up for the second straight month.

People

Cassidy ties proposed 30% pay and benefits cuts to federal telework

The Louisiana Republican has introduced bills to bar federal workers from receiving locality pay if they telework at least once per week and excising locality pay from all future feds’ pensions.

People

Gen Z is underrepresented in the federal workforce. Here’s how some experts would fix that

People younger than 30 represent 7% of the full-time civil service despite being 20% of the overall U.S. labor force.

People

Unpacking Kamala Harris' record on federal workforce issues

As vice president and a senator, Harris has fought discriminatory pay practices, helped create guidance for how the federal government uses artificial intelligence and championed public sector unions.

Policy

Senate DOOBIE Act would overlook past marijuana use in feds’ hiring, security clearances

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., argued “it's crucial that the federal government modernizes its hiring practices to reflect evolving laws and societal norms.”

People

'Fire every single mid-level bureaucrat': Vance on federal employees

Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, has been at the center of GOP efforts in Congress to “dismantle” diversity, equity and inclusion programs at federal agencies, and has suggested that if Trump wins re-election, he should fire “every mid-level bureaucrat” in government.

Artificial Intelligence

AI can enhance border security but won’t close workforce gap, lawmakers say

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is facing a “major shortfall” of about 5,000 personnel, according to Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif.

People

The major takeaways for federal employees from the first presidential debate

President Biden and former President Trump clashed over the role of government and their vision for how to manage agencies.

Cybersecurity

DHS cyber hiring program got off on the wrong foot, CIO says, but progress is showing

Ten years after its congressional authorization, the Cybersecurity Talent Management System is closing in on 200 hires.

People

DHS hires initial cohort of 10 to join its AI Corps

The Department of Homeland Security’s AI Corps is designed to deploy tech-savvy experts across its operations to drive the adoption of AI capabilities within its various mission areas.

People

DHS wants to go big with its hiring fair this week

The department says it's cutting red tape in government hiring by giving tentative job offers on the spot and starting vetting processes in person.

Defense

Pentagon background-check systems at risk of hacking, GAO says

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency didn’t fully implement DOD’s cybersecurity process, a new report finds.

Ideas

How skills-based hiring enhances national security

COMMENTARY | A forthcoming policy promises to broaden the federal talent pool, alleviate talent shortages and improve employee retention, but there's more to be done right now.

Policy

Feds are still slated for a 2% average pay raise in 2025 per House appropriations bill

The House Appropriations Committee advanced legislation Thursday that failed to override President Biden’s 2025 pay plan.

Artificial Intelligence

Senate bill mandating agency chief AI officers gets House companion

The proposal would codify several aspects of AI guidance released by the Office of Management and Budget in guidance this spring.

Ideas

Managing a high-performance IT workforce

COMMENTARY | Public sector leaders must adapt their workforce management strategies to keep pace with technological advancements and market shifts.