The FED Weekly

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(Ep 72) The FED Weekly 11-17 Oct 2026 Oct 17, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on major policy updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 11–17, 2026. One concept discussed was the impact of a 29% staffing cut at HUD, with concerns over lost expertise and service delays. A key theme that emerged was OPM’s launch of a new government-wide recruitment strategy targeting more early-career hires and coordination across agencies. The discussion explored a redesign of the federal pay table website and updates on retirement benefits, with the official 2027 COLA set at 3.6% for CSRS and Social Security and 2.6% for most FERS retirees, highlighting differences in eligibility and deductions. Several points were raised, including a federal court order blocking significant USDA relocations, elimination of the 52-week time-in-grade promotion rule, and new regulatory language around administrative leave and workforce restructuring. The article also highlighted disputes at the VA over the expiration of a major union contract. Additional coverage included targeted recruitment to fight government fraud and a report on pressure facing federal HR specialists managing numerous reforms amid staff shortages. The broader landscape is marked by ongoing legislative, legal, and administrative changes with direct effects on careers and benefits.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Kickoff
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:48) - GAO Warns on HUD Cuts
(02:45) - OPM Recruitment Strategy
(04:07) - New Pay Table Website
(04:46) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(04:50) - Official 2027 COLA
(06:10) - FERS COLA Explained
(07:22) - Notices and Medicare Premiums
(09:13) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:16) - Court Blocks USDA Moves
(11:12) - Time in Grade Ends
(12:30) - Admin Leave and Resignations
(14:27) - VA Union Contract Fight
(15:45) - Tech Force Fraud Hiring
(16:26) - HR Specialists Under Strain
(17:14) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

(Ep 71) The FED Weekly 4-10 Oct 2026 Oct 10, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on key updates for federal employees and retirees during the week of October 4th to 10th, 2026. One concept discussed was the September Thrift Savings Plan returns, with four out of five core funds losing value, but year-to-date results for stock funds remaining positive. The discussion explored OPM’s launch of an AI chatbot for federal workforce data, and the start of one-time $90 Medicare Part B rebates for qualifying beneficiaries. A key theme that emerged was process improvement, with OPM’s retirement claim backlog falling below 9,000 and faster average processing times reported. Several points were raised, including the introduction of H.R. 1718 to help former employees correct records, SSA’s announcement ending alternative work schedules, the Bureau of Prisons’ new attempt to terminate its union contract, and a House bill that would standardize telework requests government-wide. The summary highlighted ongoing policy shifts, labor disputes, and legislative proposals with potential future impacts, emphasizing the importance of staying informed in a changing federal workplace.

(00:00) - Welcome and Weekly Briefing
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - TSP September Returns
(02:38) - OPM AI Data Chatbot
(03:53) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(03:56) - Medicare Part B Rebate
(06:30) - Retirement Backlog Update
(08:30) - Bill for Record Corrections
(10:26) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(10:29) - SSA Ends Compressed Schedules
(12:21) - BOP Union Contract Fight
(14:14) - Telework Request Bill
(16:46) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

(Ep 70) The FED Weekly 27 Sep - 3 Oct 2026 Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on major developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of September 27 to October 3, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the significant rise in 2027 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) premiums, averaging a 10.9% increase for enrollees, with the third consecutive year of double-digit hikes. The discussion explored factors contributing to these increases, such as higher healthcare and prescription drug costs, and highlighted the importance of carefully reviewing plan options during Open Season, as changes vary widely by plan and by enrollee circumstances like Medicare coordination. Several points were raised, including OPM’s report of over $500 million in health benefits fraud prevention, new guidance to accelerate federal hiring processes, the end of the Army’s civilian hiring freeze, and updates on federal hiring questions following recent litigation. In labor relations, the Bureau of Prisons was ordered to restore its union contract, with a related lawsuit filed against the EPA over its own contract termination. The episode emphasized the evolving landscape for federal workers and retirees, urging vigilance during benefit elections and awareness of ongoing legal and procedural changes in federal employment and labor rights.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Kickoff
(00:44) - FEHB Premiums Jump 2027
(02:44) - PSHB and FEDVIP Updates
(03:22) - Open Season Dates and Choices
(04:01) - Health Benefit Fraud Savings
(05:29) - Retiree Open Season Strategy
(06:59) - FSAFEDS Changes for 2027
(07:37) - No New COLA Data Yet
(08:51) - New Time to Hire Rules
(10:53) - New Federal Essay Questions
(12:56) - Army Lifts Hiring Freeze
(14:20) - BOP Union Contract Restored
(16:23) - EPA Union Lawsuit Filed
(17:42) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

(Ep 69) The FED Weekly 20-26 Sep 2026 Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on major developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of September 20-26, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the debate over the proposed 2027 federal pay freeze, with a bipartisan congressional group urging leaders to match law enforcement’s 3.8% raise for all civilian employees and referencing broader recruitment and retention challenges. The discussion explored a major workforce lawsuit settlement, requiring the administration to retract reduction-in-force plans tied to the 2025 shutdown, and highlighted updates for retirees awaiting the 2027 COLA adjustment—projected near 3.5%—which will be finalized after October CPI data. Several points were raised, including OPM’s new performance management policy capping the top two ratings at 40%, tying higher ratings to larger awards, and increasing agency authority for approving substantial cash bonuses. The discussion also covered litigation over reservist differential pay dating back to 2009, as well as Air Force and Space Force plans to restore over 4,300 civilian positions after reassessing critical staffing needs.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - 2027 Pay Raise Push
(03:35) - Shutdown RIF Settlement
(05:54) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(05:57) - COLA Countdown Update
(07:04) - Open Season Prep Guide
(08:39) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(08:42) - Performance Rating Cap
(11:29) - Bigger Cash Awards
(13:35) - Removal Rules Comments
(15:04) - Reservist Pay Lawsuit
(16:55) - DoD Civilian Staffing Return
(18:54) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

(Ep 68) The FED Weekly 13-19 Sep 2026 Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on critical developments impacting federal employees and retirees during the week of September 13-19, 2026. One concept discussed was OPM’s request for information on optimizing FEHB and Postal Service Health Benefits plan offerings, asking whether more, fewer, or different plan options would better balance choice, cost, and simplicity. The discussion explored a GAO report revealing agencies spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave in 2025, largely due to the Deferred Resignation Program, and highlighted the challenges of accurately tracking these costs. Another key theme was renewed Senate objections to OPM’s collection of detailed health claims data, with privacy and cybersecurity concerns for millions of current and former employees. Several points were raised, including OPM’s new rule for shared hiring certificates to streamline federal job recruitment, proposed changes to excepted service hiring, and an administrative stay temporarily freezing USDA employee relocations. Additionally, the GAO reported that whistleblower retaliation cases at DHS can take years to resolve, undermining confidence in the protections provided.

(00:00) - Welcome and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:48) - FEHB Plan Choices Review
(04:02) - Deferred Resignation Cost
(06:40) - OPM Health Data Privacy
(09:05) - COLA Update Timing
(09:43) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:46) - Pooled Hiring Rule
(12:08) - Excepted Service Overhaul
(14:01) - USDA Relocation Stay
(16:00) - DHS Whistleblower Delays
(17:46) - Wrap Up and Takeaways

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

Show notes

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

(Ep 66) The FED Weekly 30 Aug - 5 Sep 2026 Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

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

(Ep 65) The FED Weekly 23-29 Aug 2026 Aug 30, 2026

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 9-15 Aug 2026 (Episode 63) Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

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

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