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. −2 d

    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

  2. 5 juli

    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

  3. 28 juni

    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

  4. 21 juni

    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

  5. 14 juni

    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

  6. 7 juni

    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

  7. 31 maj

    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

  8. 24 maj

    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

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Om

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

  • Skapad av
    Dave Faulk
  • Aktiva år
    2025 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    58
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Programmets webbplats
    The FED Weekly
  • Leverantör