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. 4D AGO

    The FED Weekly 25-31 Jan 2026 (Episode 35)

    This episode of The FED Weekly covers the biggest federal workforce updates for January 25–31, 2026. The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after Congress missed the funding deadline, with several agencies experiencing operational paralysis while retirement payments remain unaffected. The episode dives into issues around workforce reduction—over 317,000 jobs lost last year, revised COLA increases for retirees, and the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act. Key policy shifts include a proposed overhaul of federal performance management, union contract terminations at the VA, new pay adjustments (especially for law enforcement), and stricter rules around telework for employees with disabilities. Additional highlights include updates to Thrift Savings Plan rules, USPS financial concerns, and changes in federal health benefits premiums. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:49) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:36) - Postal Service and Financial Updates (05:43) - Federal Workforce Data and Reductions (06:45) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:03) - Health Insurance and NARFE Updates (11:41) - Federal Disability Retirement During Shutdown (12:38) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (20:01) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    21 min

  2. JAN 27

    The FED Weekly 18-24 Jan 2026 (Episode 34)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover key developments for federal employees and retirees from January 18–24, 2026. The Office of Personnel Management confirmed a modest 1.0% pay raise for federal workers, while locality pay rates remain frozen. The House passed major spending bills, including provisions to extend Medicare telehealth and reform pharmacy benefit managers. Retirees saw updates to IRS tax forms and new guidance on pension rollover rules, along with reminders on how retirement timing impacts cost-of-living adjustments. Federal law enforcement received a 3.8% special salary rate increase, and the Thrift Savings Plan now automates catch-up contributions. Workforce reductions hit several agencies, prompting union legal action, and leadership changes at the Federal Labor Relations Authority may affect union rights. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying informed about these evolving policies and benefits. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:06) - 2026 Federal Pay Adjustment Details (03:19) - House Passes Major Appropriations Bills (06:39) - Digital Accessibility Milestones (07:28) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:43) - IRS Tax Withholding Updates for Retirees (09:32) -  The Importance of Retirement Timing (11:00) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:03) - New Salary Rates for Law Enforcement (12:14) - TSP Spillover Method Implementation (13:08) - Agency Layoffs and Workforce Reductions (14:08) - Legal Challenges and Board Quorums (15:27) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

    16 min

  3. JAN 18

    The FED Weekly 11-17 Jan 2026 (Episode 33)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we review key developments for federal employees and retirees during mid-January 2026. Highlights include the House passing vital agency funding bills, new protections to ensure federal pay during shutdowns, and a crackdown on improper payments to deceased individuals. The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act brings retroactive benefit payments to millions, while retirees see annuity increases offset by rising Medicare premiums. Updates on new digital data platforms, pay raises (with a focus on law enforcement), changes to union rights, and modernized hiring policies are covered. Lawrence also discusses ongoing challenges, including retirement application backlogs, the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, legislative proposals affecting job security, and efforts to reclassify civil service roles. The episode underscores the rapidly changing landscape and the importance of staying informed about policies impacting federal careers, benefits, and retirement. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (07:41) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (12:31) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (20:31) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

    21 min

  4. JAN 11

    The FED Weekly 4-10 Jan 2026 (Episode 32)

    We break down the latest news impacting federal employees and retirees. The big legislative update is the House passing HR 6938, a minibus appropriations bill that protects funding for agencies like NASA and EPA and rejects proposed budget cuts. Pay rates are set for 2026, with most federal workers receiving a modest 1% increase, while law enforcement gets a higher adjustment. Attrition is up across the federal government, with notable losses in the Departments of Education and Treasury. Retirees under CSRS and FERS will get cost-of-living increases—2.8% and 2.0% respectively. OPM changes the tax form 1099R delivery to electronic by default, and the TSP’s G Fund interest rate rises. There’s also a new option for Roth in-plan conversions. NARFE proposes extending board term limits during government restructuring. Telework rules are tightening, with remote work now generally restricted, sparking union opposition. FEMA begins workforce reductions despite ongoing legal battles against mass terminations. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:28) - Federal Pay and Workforce Policies (04:50) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:34) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:16) - FEMA Workforce Reductions (10:43) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

    11 min

  5. JAN 5

    The FED Weekly 28 Dec 2025 - 3 Jan 2026 (Episode31)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap key developments for federal employees and retirees from December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Highlights include President Trump’s executive order granting extended holidays, which resulted in forfeited use-or-lose leave for some workers. Federal health benefit premiums have surged again—up 12.3% for most and 11.3% for postal workers—outpacing inflation. Congress faces a looming January 30 funding deadline after a record-breaking shutdown last fall. Retirees receive a finalized 2026 COLA: 2.8% for CSRS/Social Security and 2.0% for FERS. Errors on annuitant statements are addressed, with reassurance on actual payments. Recent Social Security bills aim to improve services but don’t address major benefit reforms. Notably, the repeal of the windfall elimination provision is now in effect for the first full year. The 2026 federal pay raise is low—just 1%—except for law enforcement, who receive about 3.8%. Major executive actions are ending most telework and prompting union backlash amid significant workforce cuts, especially in education and veterans’ affairs. Retirement savings rules also change, with higher contribution limits and mandatory Roth catch-ups for higher earners. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:46) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:09) - Healthcare Costs and Premium Increases (03:20) - Legislative Updates and Government Operations (05:50) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:46) - Social Security and Medicare Changes (10:07) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (14:37) - Retirement Savings and TSP Updates (15:50) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

    16 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    The FED Weekly 21-27 Dec (Episode 30)

    The FED Weekly

    16 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    The FED Weekly 14-20 Dec (Episode 29)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees from December 14-20, 2025. Highlights include the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, impacting the federal workforce and supply chain security, plus executive orders granting federal employees extra holiday leave and finalizing a 1% pay raise for 2026—though locality pay remains frozen. There were significant updates to federal health benefits, with premiums rising about 10% and substantial changes in coverage, including the removal of gender transition procedures. Retirees face a growing crisis as OPM's retirement processing backlog triples from the previous year, causing significant delays in benefit payments. Labor tensions are high, with union rights under threat and a new bill (HR 2550) progressing in Congress to counteract executive actions limiting collective bargaining. Other key stories include the launch of the US TechForce hiring initiative, USPS financial troubles, and controversy over agency relocations and transparency rules at USCIS. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:10) - Healthcare and Benefits Changes (07:33) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (12:50) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (21:09) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    22 min

  8. 12/14/2025

    The FED Weekly 7-13 Dec 2025 (Episode 28)

    This episode of The FED Weekly covers the critical updates for federal employees and retirees from December 7-13, 2025. Key focus areas include the end of the federal Benefits Open Season and a sharp 12.3% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026, compounding a 25% hike over two years. Budget negotiations resulted in another temporary continuing resolution, extending federal funding through March 2026 but restricting agency operations. There’s concern over minimal pay raises: most federal workers receive just a 1.0% increase (with no bump to locality pay), far below inflation, except for specific law enforcement roles, who get 3.8%. Retirees face diminishing real income, as rising healthcare and Medicare costs outpace COLA increases. Legislative action saw Congress pass a bill to protect labor rights, but related protections were stripped from the crucial NDAA, leaving defense workers exposed. Additionally, federal wage-grade employees will see retroactive pay raises in early 2026. The episode closes with advice to stay informed and engaged amid ongoing changes in pay, benefits, and labor rights. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Healthcare Costs and Open Season Conclusion (05:30) - Government Funding and Continuing Resolution (10:35) - Administrative and Regulatory Changes (12:44) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (15:50) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (21:01) -  The Battle for Labor Rights: H.R. 2550 vs. The NDAA (24:36) -  Retroactive Pay for Wage Grade Employees (25:18) - Conclusion: Staying Informed and Engaged

    26 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
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    The FED Weekly