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.

  1. 3d ago

    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

    20 min

  2. Jun 14

    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

    26 min

  3. Jun 7

    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

    28 min

  4. May 31

    The FED Weekly 24-30 May 2026 (Episode 52)

    This episode of The FED Weekly delivers comprehensive updates for federal employees and retirees for the week of May 24-30, 2026. We report exceptional growth in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), led by the International I Fund, but caution that retirees may not see the expected tax reductions. A major Supreme Court decision in Margollin v. National Association of Immigration Judges restricts federal workers' ability to bypass administrative appeals processes, even as the Merit Systems Protection Board faces operational gridlock. A cost comparison study on suspending Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) for Medicare Advantage shows potential savings, especially in urban areas. Still, it warns of structural risks, such as prior authorizations and a lack of family coverage. Rising student loan defaults now threaten Social Security benefits for retirees. Advocacy groups stress continued vigilance to protect benefits and scrutinize state-based retirement rankings. Key workforce developments include proposals for government-wide nondisclosure agreements, the elimination of the time-in-grade promotion rule, White House-mandated mobile app installs on government devices, understaffing in emergency management, and restructuring threats across agencies. Additional topics include rapid changes to immigration enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's legal actions, and tighter OPM administrative leave guidelines. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - TSP Surge And Taxes (02:58) - Supreme Court CSRA Channeling (06:10) - MSPB Bottlenecks Fallout (07:32) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:35) - FEHB Vs Medicare Advantage (11:58) - Social Security Garnishment Risk (12:44) - NARFE Advocacy And Where To Retire (13:48) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (13:51) - OPM Nondisclosure Agreement Push (16:46) - Ending Time In Grade (17:49) - Mandatory White House App (19:31) - FEMA Cuts And Forest Service Shakeup (21:28) - Immigration Courts Speed Up (22:10) - EEOC Actions And Leave Limits (23:13) - Wrap Up And Next Week

    24 min

  5. May 24

    The FED Weekly 17-23 May 2026 (Episode 51)

    The conversation focused on key legislative, regulatory, and operational developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 17–23, 2026. Several points were raised, including congressional efforts to address tax burdens associated with retroactive lump-sum payments and proposals to reform Social Security taxation. The discussion explored ongoing debates about pension taxation, cost-of-living adjustments, and complex rules governing Thrift Savings Plan contributions. A key theme that emerged was the contrast between legislative efforts to secure pay raises and the President’s FY 2027 budget, which proposes a pay freeze and significant agency cuts. The conversation highlighted new protections for whistleblowers, union endorsements in election campaigns, and federal building modernization efforts. Issues affecting retirees, such as COLA disparities, healthcare plan suspensions, and the transition to digital retirement platforms, were also covered. Workforce matters included telework policy battles, workplace technology upgrades, increased employee surveillance, and regulatory shifts in reduction-in-force procedures. The week concluded with a reversal of FEMA staffing cuts and legal proceedings related to government misconduct. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Tax Relief for Back Pay (02:57) - Pension and TSP Tax Basics (05:18) - Webinars and Aid Resources (06:53) - Whistleblower Bill Update (08:11) - Union Endorsements Push (11:35) - Federal Buildings and Public Works (12:46) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (12:53) - Retiree COLA Gap (15:05) - FEHB vs Medicare Advantage (15:58) - Benefits Platforms Go Digital (16:47) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (16:54) - 2027 Pay Raise Fight (19:23) - RIF Rules and Real Impacts (23:47) - Telework Return-to-Office Clash (25:50) - Tech Hiring and Surveillance (28:30) - House Bills for Workers (30:20) - FEMA Reversal and Fraud Case (31:33) - Wrap Up and Next Week

    32 min

  6. May 18

    The FED Weekly 10-16 May 2026 (Episode 50)

    We deliver the latest updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of 10-16 May 2026. The Senate approved a rule to withhold Senators’ pay during future shutdowns, echoing concerns about the disconnect between lawmakers and affected federal workers. Ongoing shutdowns caused a significant backlog in retirement claims. A new TIGTA report highlighted rising federal employee tax delinquency, with proposed measures to enable interagency sharing of noncompliance data. The IRS issued guidelines for Trump Accounts—a new retirement vehicle for minors—launching July 2026. Retirees received guidance on FEHB suspensions for Medicare Advantage and the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments: 2.8% for CSRS, 2% for FERS. Tammy Flanagan underscored the benefits of delaying retirement and Social Security claims for higher payouts. New legislation would protect employee credit during shutdowns and introduce voluntary short-term disability insurance. The fiscal year 2027 spending bill proposes a civilian pay freeze despite an alternative 4.1% raise. Wildland firefighter hazard pay and EEOC/MSPB settlement review initiatives were outlined, alongside tightening of telework policies and a proposed ban on DC congestion tolls. Speaker A emphasized the ongoing, shifting landscape and encouraged listeners to stay informed. (00:00) - Welcome and Weekly Briefing (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Shutdown Pay Rule and Funding Lapses (02:03) - Shutdown Backlogs and Retirement Claims (02:32) - Federal Tax Debt Crackdown (04:17) - Trump Accounts and Duplication Oversight (05:43) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:11) - Why Delaying Retirement Pays (08:37) - Social Security TSP and Best Dates (11:18) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (13:10) - 2027 Pay Freeze and Hazard Pay (15:25) - MSPB Telework and Commuter Tolls (16:59) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    18 min

  7. May 10

    The FED Weekly 3-9 May 2026 (Episode 49)

    In this episode, we cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 3–9, 2026. The episode spotlights Public Service Recognition Week, overshadowed by controversy over the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) new data policy requiring insurance carriers to submit unredacted medical records, raising privacy and HIPAA concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) milestones are discussed, including expanded telehealth, HSA eligibility, and DPC benefits. Tax reforms under the OBBBA, such as increases in SALT deduction caps and tax breaks on overtime, are highlighted. The Social Security Fairness Act’s repeal of the WEP and GPO is explained, with updates on retroactive payments and ongoing challenges for retirees navigating benefit adjustments. The Postal Service’s funding crisis and the expansion of pharmacy benefits for compensation program enrollees are addressed. For current employees, the episode details the new Schedule PC employment category removing due process rights, proposed forced distribution performance ratings, the push for a 2027 pay raise, expanded fertility benefits, and the Federal Retirement Fairness Act’s progress. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:37) - OPM Medical Data Firestorm (04:00) - OBBBA Health And HSA Changes (06:18) - Taxes And USPS Retirement Alarm (08:01) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (11:31) - Medicare Deductions And Medicaid Rules (12:57) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (13:00) - Schedule P C And Performance Overhaul (14:59) - Pay Raise IVF And Retirement Buyback (16:57) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

    18 min

  8. May 3

    The FED Weekly 26 Apr - 2 May 2026 (Episode 48)

    Here is the weekly briefing for federal employees and retirees, covering April 26 to May 2, 2026. TSP portfolios rebounded in April after a tough start to the year, with the C Fund leading gains. The House Committee on Oversight advanced nine anti-fraud bills, targeting $186 billion in improper payments reported in 2025. A new report highlighted workforce reform costs and declining federal employee morale, with thriving rates dropping to 48%. Retirees were urged to check for updates on the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, as the SSA continues processing retroactive payments and benefit applications. Medicare Part B and FEHB myths were clarified, noting cost-saving opportunities and income-based surcharges. OPM is modernizing retirement processing to cut delays. For current workers, the DHS shutdown—the longest on record—ended, but with significant personal hardships. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act was introduced to shield workers' credit scores. OPM changed performance appraisal rules for Schedule C and G positions as political reclassification rules advance. Wildland firefighters may receive hazard pay; whistleblower protections strengthen at VA; and House Republicans block a 2027 federal pay raise. The episode emphasizes staying informed amid ongoing changes to pay, benefits, and job security. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:29) - House Anti Fraud Bills (04:21) - Workforce Reform Costs (05:48) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:28) - Medicare Part B Myths (08:46) - OPM Retirement Modernization (09:33) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (10:49) - Credit Protection Bill (11:42) - Schedule F Changes (12:42) - Quick Hits Pay And Policy (13:32) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

    14 min
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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
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    The FED Weekly