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. 4H AGO

    The FED Weekly 5-11 Apr 2026 (Episode 45)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover key developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of April 5–11, 2026. Major news includes an OPM proposal requiring insurers to submit personally identifiable health data, sparking privacy and legal concerns about HIPAA compliance and fears of data misuse. For retirees, missed deadlines for Medicare General Enrollment and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) dominated the conversation, with guidance provided on penalties and waivers. Progress updates on the Social Security Fairness Act highlight ongoing adjustments after the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. For current employees, a new TIGTA report exposes flaws in telework compliance following return-to-office mandates, leading to stricter attendance tracking. Additionally, OPM is considering limiting the number of employees who can receive top performance ratings, provoking union resistance. Discussion also touches on pay concerns, with 2026’s 1.0% general increase failing to close the locality pay gap in high-cost cities. The episode underscores the importance of staying informed on these evolving issues. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:03) -  The OPM Medical Data Collection Proposal (01:50) - Privacy Risks and HIPAA (02:58) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (03:15) - Medicare and RMD Penalties (04:44) - WEP GPO Repeal Update (05:41) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (05:57) - Telework Tracking Tightens (07:01) - Performance Ratings Curve (07:55) - Pay Raise and Locality Gap (08:49) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    9 min

  2. APR 5

    The FED Weekly 29 Mar - 4 Apr 2026 (Episode 44)

    This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates impacting federal employees and retirees from March 29 to April 4, 2026. The most significant development is the Merit Systems Protection Board’s (MSPB) new regulation eliminating appeals for job reclassifications into the Schedule PC category, reducing job security for federal workers 00:44. Additionally, federal health benefits are facing scrutiny due to a 12.3% premium increase and the removal of coverage for gender transition services 02:09. Early signals about the 2027 COLA suggest a possible increase below 2%, which has differing impacts based on retirement system 03:21. One year after the Social Security Fairness Act, retirees are seeing full restoration of benefits, the largest wealth transfer in a generation 05:02. On pay, the FAIR Act, advocating a 4.1% raise for 2027, gains legislative support 05:41. Telework policies are tightening, with new HHS rules stressing in-person attendance requirements and stricter enforcement of locality pay rules 06:34. The episode emphasizes the rapidly changing federal landscape and the importance of staying informed 07:36. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:52) - Schedule P C Explained (02:09) -  The Health Care Premium Reality Check (03:10) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (03:13) -  The 2027 COLA Outlook: Early Warnings (04:18) - Social Security Fairness Update (05:21) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (05:24) -  The 2027 Pay Raise: The FAIR Act Gains Momentum (06:26) - Telework Worksite Rules (07:36) - Wrap Up and Next Week

    8 min

  3. MAR 29

    The FED Weekly 22-28 March 2026 (Episode 43)

    This episode covers key developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of March 22–28, 2026. We detail the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, ongoing since October 2025, and the Senate’s tentative deal to fund DHS through September, which faces resistance in the House due to disputes over border security funding 01:22. Legislative remedies to mitigate shutdown impacts are reviewed, including several proposed bills like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and the Social Security Fairness Act implementation, which repeals provisions reducing Social Security benefits for retirees and is now issuing retroactive payments—creating tax and eligibility complications for some 05:26. Concerns include a surge in OPM’s retirement claim backlog, new digital systems, and SSA’s return to full-benefit withholding for overpayment recovery 09:10; this raises hardship fears. Major changes for current employees are also in play: reclassification into Schedule Policy Career positions removes due process rights, a shift towards at-will employment, and proposed performance management reforms introduce forced rating distributions and diminished grievance rights 12:04. Pay discussions shifted to the 2027 FAIR Act, proposing a 4.1% raise to close private/public pay gaps. Other issues included controversial ICE personnel deployments at airports amid staffing shortages from the ongoing shutdown 18:14. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:19) - Senate Deal House Roadblock (02:40) - Shutdown Pay Fixes (05:11) - Social Security Fairness Update (06:48) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:47) - OPM Backlog Modernization (10:43) - SSA Overpayment Crackdown (11:49) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:53) -  Reclassification and the Shift to "At-Will" Employment (14:02) - Performance Ratings Overhaul (15:32) - RIF Rules And Layoff Fears (16:22) - FAIR Act Pay Raise Push (17:49) - TSA Staffing Workarounds (18:48) - Wrap Up And Next Week

    19 min

  4. MAR 23

    The FED Weekly 15-21 Mar 2026 (Episode 42)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover essential updates for federal employees and retirees for March 15-21, 2026. Key highlights include the Social Security Administration’s completion of $17 billion in retroactive payments after the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, boosting lifetime benefits for many public servants. Sunshine Week spotlighted transparency challenges, especially the reduction of FOIA officers and new policies affecting records at the Department of Homeland Security. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums up 12.3% and significant changes—such as the end of coverage for gender transition services. Administrative bottlenecks at OPM have nearly doubled the time it takes to process retirements. Federal workers face a prolonged DHS shutdown, pay concerns, mass reclassifications under Schedule Policy Career, and falling engagement. Legislative moves include the proposed 2027 FAIR Act, seeking a 4.1% federal pay raise to address pay gaps. The episode wraps with advice to stay informed amid these rapid and complex federal workforce changes. (00:00) - Welcome and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (03:13) - Sunshine Week Transparency Fights (05:13) - COLA Early Read for 2027 (06:21) - Virginia Women Veterans Week (07:20) - USPS Career Events and Insolvency Warning (08:37) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:16) - Coverage Changes and FEDVIP Updates (11:50) - OPM Retirement Backlog Surge (12:44) - Tax Basics for Retirement Income (13:41) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:19) - Court Wins and HR System Overhaul (17:14) - Schedule Policy Career and 2027 Pay Push (19:07) - Engagement Drop and Closing Wrap

    21 min

  5. MAR 16

    The FED Weekly 8-14 Mar 2026 (Episode 41)

    This episode of The FED Weekly covers the week of March 8-14, 2026, spotlighting critical updates for federal employees and retirees. Key topics include a major data breach involving the Social Security Administration, raising alarms about personal data security, and the risk of identity theft. Lawrence reviews new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) performance data, highlighting strong gains for international funds. There’s concern that cost-of-living adjustments will be offset by significant Medicare premium hikes, thereby minimizing retirees’ real income gains. Important legislation is discussed, such as the FAIR Act, which proposes a 4.1% pay raise, and the True Shutdown Fairness Act, which aims to protect federal workers during government shutdowns. The episode also explores administrative delays, underrepresentation of women in benefits, and changes to federal employment protections—including the controversial Schedule PC, which weakens job security and due process for many federal workers. Legal victories for employees at the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs are noted, while other agencies face layoffs and operational challenges. The episode wraps with guidance for retirees on Social Security earnings limits and the ongoing battle to keep retirement benefits aligned with inflation. (00:00) - Welcome and Week Ahead (00:47) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:39) - TSP February Performance (05:16) - COLA vs Medicare Squeeze (06:14) - Pay Raise and Shutdown Bills (07:31) - GAO Transparency Warnings (08:26) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:24) - OPM Delays and Backlogs (10:23) - Retiree Pay and Earnings Rules (12:14) - COLA Disparities and CPI Watch (13:36) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:34) - RIF Rule Overhaul Proposal (17:09) - Telework and Union Wins (17:58) - Agency Turmoil and Security Scandal (19:14) - Attorney Fees Court Win (20:14) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    21 min

  6. MAR 8

    The FED Weekly 1-7 Mar 2026 (Episode 40)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover critical updates for federal employees and retirees during March 1–7, 2026. The ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now in its third week, has left thousands without pay, heightening concerns over operational security and worker well-being. Legislative efforts like the Shutdown Fairness Act and full DHS funding are in focus. For retirees, the Social Security Fairness Act’s retroactivity problem is spotlighted, with advice on appealing denied payments, and OPM’s push toward digital retirement processing is examined amid high backlogs. Updates include 2026 cost-of-living adjustments, new retirement earnings limits, and TSP plan changes. For current workers, the episode highlights transformative civil service reforms under the Trump administration, including a move toward an at-will workforce and performance-based layoff proposals. Federal pay remains tight, but targeted pay bills and recruitment initiatives are underway. The landscape is rapidly shifting, making staying informed crucial for the entire federal workforce. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:05) - Shutdown Fairness Act Push (05:04) - Social Security Fairness Snag (07:02) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:59) - COLA FEHB Earnings Updates (13:00) - At Will Civil Service Shift (13:17) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:35) - RIF Rules And Pay Fight (17:10) - Other Workforce Headlines (18:59) - Wrap Up And Next Week

    20 min

  7. MAR 1

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

    This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments from February 22-28, 2026, impacting both current and retired federal employees. Key topics include the ongoing partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, which has disrupted agency operations and pay for thousands of essential workers, and new data on Thrift Savings Plan investment gains and the introduction of a Roth in-plan conversion tool. The episode highlights a Supreme Court decision affecting tariff policies, changes in cost-of-living projections, and a significant referendum in the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. It also examines digital shifts in benefit documentation, proposed Medicare Advantage rate changes, and concerns about tax bracket creep, which reduces retirees’ net income. For current employees, the Office of Personnel Management’s proposed overhaul of the federal performance management system—introducing forced distributions and removing certain union rights—marks a transformative shift. The episode wraps up with reminders of the importance of staying informed about evolving policies that affect federal workers and retirees. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:37) - TSP Gains and Roth Tool (06:47) - COLA and Tariff Ruling (08:52) - Engineers Week Spotlight (09:38) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (11:33) - OPM Goes Paperless (12:36) - Medicare Advantage Rates (13:38) - Tax Bracket Creep (15:26) - Survivor Benefits Review (16:21) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (19:15) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    20 min

  8. FEB 22

    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
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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
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    The FED Weekly