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. 6 天前

    (Ep 67) The FED Weekly 6-12 Sep 2026

    The conversation focused on key federal workforce developments for the week of September 6–12, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the Office of Personnel Management’s shift toward long-term structural changes, including a new performance management system, decentralized employee surveys, centralized recruiting, and efforts to modernize federal HR technology. The discussion explored the impact of August inflation data, which points to an estimated 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 federal retirees, pending September's final figures. Several points were raised, including significant court rulings: one blocking the administration from requiring civil service applicants to answer politically focused essay questions, and another finding the Department of Homeland Security’s workforce cuts at FEMA unlawful. A new lawsuit challenges the Department of Agriculture’s planned employee relocations. The episode also covered updated reduction-in-force (RIF) rules, now tying employee retention points primarily to performance ratings rather than tenure, with major implications for job security. The conversation highlighted the ongoing transformation of federal workforce policy and emphasized the importance of staying informed amid rapid change. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - OPM Workforce Overhaul (01:30) - Performance and Surveys (03:15) - Recruiting and HR Tech (04:48) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (04:51) - 2027 COLA Update (07:56) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (07:59) - Hiring Loyalty Question Blocked (10:27) - FEMA Cuts Ruled Unlawful (12:16) - USDA Relocation Lawsuit (14:11) - RIF Rules Performance Points (16:05) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

  2. 9月6日

    (Ep 66) The FED Weekly 30 Aug - 5 Sep 2026

    The conversation focused on major developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of August 30th to September 5th, 2026. A key theme was the passage of H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2027, signed on September 2nd, which funds federal agencies through December 11th and avoids an October government shutdown. The discussion covered updated federal workforce numbers from OPM, highlighting ongoing reductions from the Deferred Resignation Program and reorganizations. Several points were raised, including OPM’s new reduction-in-force rules, which place more weight on performance than tenure and revise the appeals process, and the Merit Systems Protection Board’s shift from the Douglas Factor framework for disciplinary actions, emphasizing case flexibility over a fixed 12-factor checklist. Additional updates covered the extension of the overtime pay cap waiver for federal wildland firefighters, pending legislation for more permanent changes, and a modest increase in federal travel per diem rates. No major new policies were enacted specifically for retirees this week, and the next significant COLA and benefits updates are pending future data releases. The discussion underscored the need for federal employees and retirees to keep up with these dynamic policy changes. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:28) - Shutdown Deadline Ahead (04:11) - OPM Workforce Data Update (06:20) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:29) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:21) - MSPB Discipline Rule Shift (13:40) - Firefighter Overtime Extended (15:25) - FY2027 Per Diem Increase (16:50) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

  3. 8月31日

    (Ep 65) The FED Weekly 23-29 Aug 2026

    The conversation focused on key federal workforce and retirement updates from August 23-29, 2026. One concept discussed was the impact of deferred resignation programs, revealing that most departing employees under these initiatives were not replaced, and replacements often came in at lower average grades. A key theme was the proposed 2027 civilian federal pay freeze, except for a 3.8% raise for certain law enforcement roles. The discussion explored new OPM rules on performance ratings and suitability determinations, now subject to a federal union lawsuit. Several points were raised, including major proposed EEOC changes to the discrimination complaint process, OPM’s finalized expanded critical position pay authority, and new guidance encouraging the use of artificial intelligence in federal hiring to speed up recruitment. For retirees, the week was relatively quiet, with no significant new policies affecting benefits. Overall, the episode underscored the rapidly changing environment for federal employees and retirees and emphasized the need to stay informed about evolving legislation and policies. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Deferred Resignation Fallout (03:35) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (05:26) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (05:29) - 2027 Pay Freeze Plan (07:57) - Unions Sue OPM (10:32) - EEOC Complaint Overhaul (13:07) - Critical Pay Expansion (15:16) - AI in Federal Hiring (17:40) - Wrap Up and Takeaways

  4. 8月23日

    (EP 64) The FED Weekly 16-22 Aug 2026

    The conversation focused on key updates affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of August 16-22, 2026. One concept discussed was the upcoming requirement for comprehensive verification when adding family members to federal health benefits during the 2027 Open Season, making documentation essential. A key theme was legislative efforts to close a retirement benefit gap for certain Customs and Border Protection officers, with H.R. 8844 potentially increasing benefits for affected groups, pending final passage. The discussion covered OPM’s new performance rating calibration system, which will immediately affect appraisal processes in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing the need for employees to document achievements carefully. Several points were raised, including a significant arbitration ruling requiring USDA to reinstate telework provisions for certain employees, new Defense Department pilot programs to streamline EEO complaint procedures, and the Air Force tightening suitability checks for new civilian hires. The episode also highlighted the operational impact of workforce reductions at Army depots, illustrating challenges in maintaining expertise and production. Overall, the episode underscored rapidly changing policies, urging federal workers to stay informed and keep documentation ready for upcoming shifts in health, employment, and benefits regulations. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Health Benefits Verification (03:15) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (03:18) - CBP Retirement Fix Explained (08:10) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (08:13) - Performance Ratings Overhaul (11:24) - USDA Return to Office Ruling (14:06) - DoD EEO Pilot Programs (15:56) - Air Force Suitability Checks (17:17) - Army Depot Staffing Impacts (19:59) - Wrap Up and Key Takeaways

  5. 8月16日

    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

  6. 8月9日

    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

  7. 8月2日

    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

  8. 7月26日

    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

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簡介

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.

資訊

  • 創作者
    Dave Faulk
  • 活躍年代
    2025年 - 2026年
  • 集數
    67
  • 年齡分級
    兒少適宜
  • 版權
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • 節目網站
    The FED Weekly

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