The FED Weekly

Latest Episodes:

The FED Weekly 2-8 Aug 2026 (Episode 62) Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 26 Jul - 1 Aug 2026 (Episode 61) Aug 01, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 19-25 Jul 2026 (Episode 60) Jul 26, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 12-18 Jul 2026 (Episode 59) Jul 18, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on the latest developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of July 12-18, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the introduction of the bipartisan PROMISE Act, designed to force Congress to address long-term Social Security solvency, with the 2026 Trustees Report forecasting potential benefit cuts by late 2032 if lawmakers fail to act. Several points were raised, including rising cost-of-living adjustments, changes to federal healthcare plans—such as increased premiums and prescription costs—and the controversial restriction on coverage for gender-affirming care, which has prompted legal challenges. The discussion explored the financial vulnerability of USPHS and NOAA retirees during government shutdowns, recent educational resources for navigating federal retirement, and a landmark arbitration decision restoring telework rights for Forest Service employees after unilateral cancellations tied to a presidential directive. Operational modernization efforts, leadership hearings, and agency reorganizations—including GSA cost-cutting initiatives and Space Development Agency launches—were also covered. The episode emphasized the shifting landscape for the federal workforce and the ongoing importance of staying informed.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - PROMISE Act Explained
(04:12) - COLA Tracking Update
(05:33) - FEHB Plan Changes
(07:51) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(07:54) - Shutdown Pay Lawsuit
(09:44) - Retirement Planning Webinars
(11:03) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(11:06) - Telework Arbitration Win
(13:59) - Modernization and Leadership

The FED Weekly 5-11 Jul 2026 (Episode 58) Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 28 Jun - 4 Jul 2026 (Episode 57) Jul 04, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 21-27 Jun 2026 (Episode 56) Jun 28, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 14-20 Jun 2026 (Episode 55) Jun 21, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 7-13 Jun 2026 (Episode 54) Jun 14, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 31 May - 6 Jun 2026 (Episode 53) Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

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

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