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. 3D AGO

    The FED Weekly 26 Apr - 2 May 2026 (Episode 48)

    Here is the weekly briefing for federal employees and retirees, covering April 26 to May 2, 2026. TSP portfolios rebounded in April after a tough start to the year, with the C Fund leading gains. The House Committee on Oversight advanced nine anti-fraud bills, targeting $186 billion in improper payments reported in 2025. A new report highlighted workforce reform costs and declining federal employee morale, with thriving rates dropping to 48%. Retirees were urged to check for updates on the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, as the SSA continues processing retroactive payments and benefit applications. Medicare Part B and FEHB myths were clarified, noting cost-saving opportunities and income-based surcharges. OPM is modernizing retirement processing to cut delays. For current workers, the DHS shutdown—the longest on record—ended, but with significant personal hardships. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act was introduced to shield workers' credit scores. OPM changed performance appraisal rules for Schedule C and G positions as political reclassification rules advance. Wildland firefighters may receive hazard pay; whistleblower protections strengthen at VA; and House Republicans block a 2027 federal pay raise. The episode emphasizes staying informed amid ongoing changes to pay, benefits, and job security. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:29) - House Anti Fraud Bills (04:21) - Workforce Reform Costs (05:48) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:28) - Medicare Part B Myths (08:46) - OPM Retirement Modernization (09:33) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (10:49) - Credit Protection Bill (11:42) - Schedule F Changes (12:42) - Quick Hits Pay And Policy (13:32) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

    14 min

  2. APR 26

    The FED Weekly 19-25 Apr 2026 (Episode 47)

    This week’s episode of The FED Weekly covers the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now the longest in history at 68 days, triggered by Congressional disputes over immigration agency reforms. Severe operational impacts include staff shortages and a lack of basic supplies. A Senate budget resolution may end the shutdown by mid-May. The Postal Service’s suspension of retirement fund contributions raises concerns about pension solvency. The Office of Personnel Management faces pushback over its proposal to collect extensive health benefits data, prompting calls for stricter privacy protections. Tax changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” offer notable new deductions and credits. The Equal COLA Act aims to equalize cost-of-living adjustments for FERS and CSRS retirees. Severe retirement processing backlogs persist, with retirees waiting months for full benefits. Critical deadlines for required minimum distributions and Medicare enrollment have just passed. Positive news includes ongoing Social Security Fairness Act payments. Policy changes for current workers include the implementation of Schedule PC positions, agency relocations outside D.C., the consolidation of occupational series, and major disputes over union rights. OPM also moves toward skills-based hiring in technology fields. (00:00) - Welcome and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - DHS Shutdown Fallout (02:37) - FERS Funding Alarm (03:39) - FEHB Data Privacy (04:33) - New Tax Rules 2026 (05:47) - Equal COLA Push (06:24) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (06:28) - Retirement Backlog Crisis (07:54) - RMD and Medicare Deadlines (08:37) - Social Security Fairness (09:27) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:30) - Schedule P C Rollout (10:28) - USDA Relocation Plans (11:32) - Job Series Consolidation (12:23) - Union Rights Showdown (13:32) - Skills Based Hiring Shift

    15 min

  3. APR 19

    The FED Weekly 12-18 Apr 2026 (Episode 46)

    In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover major developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of April 12–18, 2026. Key highlights include the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which permanently extends tax cuts, increases standard deductions, raises the SALT cap, and introduces new tax benefits and savings accounts for federal families. The episode details rising concerns about the costs and unintended consequences of workforce reforms, including disengagement and downsizing, with specific fallout in agencies such as the GSA, CDC, and IRS. There’s growing opposition to an OPM proposal to expand access to medical records. Updates on retirement and health benefits focus on changes to Medicaid, Medicare, retirement processing backlogs, and COLAs. For current workers, the episode discusses the looming reclassification of 50,000 positions under the new Schedule PC, major staffing cuts, increased reliance on AI and technology, and legislative moves to boost federal pay and guarantee shutdown pay. OPM initiatives to support foster and adoptive families, recruit cybersecurity talent, and expand contract opportunities without requiring a degree are also highlighted. Speaker A emphasizes the need to stay informed amid ongoing policy changes. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - Tax Law Changes (04:07) - Workforce Reform Costs (05:19) - Health Data Privacy Fight (06:35) - Modernization And Cuts (08:42) - Family Support Update (09:16) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:19) - Retirement Backlog Scrutiny (11:18) - Medicaid Medicare Shakeup (12:55) - Social Security Tax Planning (14:05) - Deadlines And COLA Updates (16:32) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (16:35) - Schedule PC Reclassification (18:15) - Deferred Resignation Fallout (19:51) - IRS Staffing Crunch (20:44) - AI Expansion Risks (21:35) - Pay And Shutdown Bills (22:40) - Safety And Hiring Moves (23:56) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

    25 min

  4. APR 14

    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 (01:53) - Privacy Risks and HIPAA (03:01) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (03:17) - Medicare and RMD Penalties (04:46) - WEP GPO Repeal Update (05:43) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (05:59) - Telework Tracking Tightens (07:03) - Performance Ratings Curve (07:57) - Pay Raise and Locality Gap (08:52) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    9 min

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    The FED Weekly

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