The FED Weekly

Dave Faulk
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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.

  1. 4d ago

    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

  2. Aug 9

    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

  3. Aug 2

    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

  4. Jul 26

    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

  5. Jul 19

    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

  6. Jul 12

    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

  7. Jul 5

    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

  8. Jun 28

    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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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Faulk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    The FED Weekly