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. 13M AGO

    The FED Weekly 22-28 Feb 2026 (Episode 39)

    The FED Weekly

    20 min

  2. 6D AGO

    The FED Weekly 15-21 Feb 2026 (Episode 38)

    We cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees. The episode details the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, highlighting the uncertainty over back pay for furloughed workers due to a recent change in OPM guidance. Updates include a legislative push to expand fertility coverage in FEHB and PSHB plans, as well as the first baseline for the 2027 retirement COLA. The Social Security Administration faces staffing cuts and controversial reassignment of specialists, affecting retirees’ access to services. There's new guidance on Thrift Savings Plan rollover strategies and status updates on OPM retirement processing times. For current employees, the episode discusses the shift towards at-will status for certain career positions under Schedule PC, challenges to union protections, a bill extending federal probationary periods, and a mass lawsuit alleging politically motivated terminations. Legislative news also touches on NASA reauthorization and telework challenges at the VA. Overall, this episode underscores rapid policy changes and ongoing uncertainties shaping retirement, benefits, and workplace rights in the federal sector. (00:00) - Welcome to The FED Weekly (Feb 15–21, 2026) (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:09) - DHS Shutdown: Who’s Working, Who’s Furloughed, and the Back Pay Question (03:34) - FEHB/PSHB Fertility Coverage Push: Lawmakers Call for IVF Expansion (04:53) - Early Look at 2027 COLA + FECA Benefit Increase Confirmed (05:57) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:06) - TSP Retirement Planning: New Roth Conversion Tool and Savings Gaps (09:09) - OPM Retirement Processing Update: Backlogs, Timelines, and Services Online (09:43) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:56) - Union Contracts in the Crosshairs: OPM Memo to Repudiate CBAs (13:14) - Probation Period Overhaul: H.R. 5750 and Two Years Without Full Protections (14:15) - Legal Battles & Appeals Shakeup: Mass Lawsuit + OPM Rules Target MSPB (16:08) - Rapid-Fire Policy Updates (NASA, Congress Pay, VA Telework, DHS Admin Funding) (17:36) - Wrap-Up: What It All Means and How to Stay Informed

    18 min

  3. FEB 16

    The FED Weekly 8-14 Feb 2026 (Episode 37)

    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% 2027 pay raise 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. (00:00) - Welcome to The FED Weekly (Feb 8–14, 2026) (00:48) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (03:17) - RIF Moratorium Ends + OPM Plan to Centralize Layoff Appeals (05:06) - Schedule Policy/Career: 50,000 Roles Shift Toward ‘At‑Will’ (06:13) - FAIR Act Introduced: Proposed 4.1% Federal Pay Raise for 2027 (07:03) - Federal Workforce Caucus + National Salute to Veteran Patients Week (08:39) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:05) - COLA vs. Medicare Part B Hike + OPM Retirement Processing Speeds Up (11:53) - SSA Staffing Shortages, New 2026 Tax Changes, and SSI Payment Shift (14:06) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:22) - Tech Force Recruiting, TSP Roth Conversion Tool, and Retirement Expansion Bill (17:35) - Court Ruling for Senior Execs + FEHB/PSHB Coverage & Premium Updates (19:42) - Wrap-Up, Subscribe, and Next Week’s Outlook

    20 min

  4. FEB 9

    The FED Weekly 1-7 Feb 2026, (Episode 36)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on federal workforce developments for the week of February 1-7, 2026. Key highlights include President Trump signing the $1.2 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, ending the partial government shutdown, and stabilizing government operations—though DHS funding remains temporarily unresolved. Federal civilian workers received a 1% pay raise, lagging behind retiree COLA increases. Major legislative movements featured reforms in procurement, early separation incentives for federal employees, and renewed interest in bills addressing retirement fairness and pay raises. OPM issued updated shutdown guidance and introduced Roth-in-Plan conversions to the Thrift Savings Plan. Retirees are facing delays due to a backlog in OPM retirement processing, while healthcare premiums and administrative changes add to their concerns. For current employees, a finalized rule reclassifies many policy-determining roles as at-will, reducing key protections and triggering union protests, alongside stricter performance rating distributions and data calls on union time usage. The episode closes with advice to stay informed as federal workforce policies continue to evolve. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:32) - Legislative Developments and Pay Adjustments (03:49) - Thrift Savings Plan and Financial Updates (05:15) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (06:45) - Healthcare and Benefit Updates for Retirees (08:22) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:33) - Labor Relations and DHS Funding Deadline (12:11) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

    13 min

  5. FEB 2

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    The FED Weekly