The FED Weekly

Latest Episodes:

The FED Weekly 15-21 Mar 2026 (Episode 42) Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 8-14 Mar 2026 (Episode 41) Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 1-7 Mar 2026 (Episode 40) Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 22-28 Feb 2026 (Episode 39) Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 15-21 Feb 2026 (Episode 38) Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

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

The FED Weekly 8-14 Feb 2026 (Episode 37) Feb 15, 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% 2027 pay raise 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.

(00:00) - Welcome to The FED Weekly (Feb 8–14, 2026)
(00:48) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(03:17) - RIF Moratorium Ends + OPM Plan to Centralize Layoff Appeals
(05:06) - Schedule Policy/Career: 50,000 Roles Shift Toward ‘At‑Will’
(06:13) - FAIR Act Introduced: Proposed 4.1% Federal Pay Raise for 2027
(07:03) - Federal Workforce Caucus + National Salute to Veteran Patients Week
(08:39) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(10:05) - COLA vs. Medicare Part B Hike + OPM Retirement Processing Speeds Up
(11:53) - SSA Staffing Shortages, New 2026 Tax Changes, and SSI Payment Shift
(14:06) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(15:22) - Tech Force Recruiting, TSP Roth Conversion Tool, and Retirement Expansion Bill
(17:35) - Court Ruling for Senior Execs + FEHB/PSHB Coverage & Premium Updates
(19:42) - Wrap-Up, Subscribe, and Next Week’s Outlook

The FED Weekly 1-7 Feb 2026, (Episode 36) Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on federal workforce developments for the week of February 1-7, 2026. Key highlights include President Trump signing the $1.2 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, ending the partial government shutdown, and stabilizing government operations—though DHS funding remains temporarily unresolved. Federal civilian workers received a 1% pay raise, lagging behind retiree COLA increases. Major legislative movements featured reforms in procurement, early separation incentives for federal employees, and renewed interest in bills addressing retirement fairness and pay raises. OPM issued updated shutdown guidance and introduced Roth-in-Plan conversions to the Thrift Savings Plan. Retirees are facing delays due to a backlog in OPM retirement processing, while healthcare premiums and administrative changes add to their concerns. For current employees, a finalized rule reclassifies many policy-determining roles as at-will, reducing key protections and triggering union protests, alongside stricter performance rating distributions and data calls on union time usage. The episode closes with advice to stay informed as federal workforce policies continue to evolve.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(02:32) - Legislative Developments and Pay Adjustments
(03:49) - Thrift Savings Plan and Financial Updates
(05:15) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(06:45) - Healthcare and Benefit Updates for Retirees
(08:22) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(11:33) - Labor Relations and DHS Funding Deadline
(12:11) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 25-31 Jan 2026 (Episode 35) Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the biggest federal workforce updates for January 25–31, 2026. The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after Congress missed the funding deadline, with several agencies experiencing operational paralysis while retirement payments remain unaffected. The episode dives into issues around workforce reduction—over 317,000 jobs lost last year, revised COLA increases for retirees, and the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act. Key policy shifts include a proposed overhaul of federal performance management, union contract terminations at the VA, new pay adjustments (especially for law enforcement), and stricter rules around telework for employees with disabilities. Additional highlights include updates to Thrift Savings Plan rules, USPS financial concerns, and changes in federal health benefits premiums.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:49) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(04:36) - Postal Service and Financial Updates
(05:43) - Federal Workforce Data and Reductions
(06:45) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(10:03) - Health Insurance and NARFE Updates
(11:41) - Federal Disability Retirement During Shutdown
(12:38) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(20:01) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The FED Weekly 18-24 Jan 2026 (Episode 34) Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover key developments for federal employees and retirees from January 18–24, 2026. The Office of Personnel Management confirmed a modest 1.0% pay raise for federal workers, while locality pay rates remain frozen. The House passed major spending bills, including provisions to extend Medicare telehealth and reform pharmacy benefit managers. Retirees saw updates to IRS tax forms and new guidance on pension rollover rules, along with reminders on how retirement timing impacts cost-of-living adjustments. Federal law enforcement received a 3.8% special salary rate increase, and the Thrift Savings Plan now automates catch-up contributions. Workforce reductions hit several agencies, prompting union legal action, and leadership changes at the Federal Labor Relations Authority may affect union rights. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying informed about these evolving policies and benefits.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(01:06) - 2026 Federal Pay Adjustment Details
(03:19) - House Passes Major Appropriations Bills
(06:39) - Digital Accessibility Milestones
(07:28) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(07:43) - IRS Tax Withholding Updates for Retirees
(09:32) - The Importance of Retirement Timing
(11:00) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(11:03) - New Salary Rates for Law Enforcement
(12:14) - TSP Spillover Method Implementation
(13:08) - Agency Layoffs and Workforce Reductions
(14:08) - Legal Challenges and Board Quorums
(15:27) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 11-17 Jan 2026 (Episode 33) Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we review key developments for federal employees and retirees during mid-January 2026. Highlights include the House passing vital agency funding bills, new protections to ensure federal pay during shutdowns, and a crackdown on improper payments to deceased individuals. The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act brings retroactive benefit payments to millions, while retirees see annuity increases offset by rising Medicare premiums. Updates on new digital data platforms, pay raises (with a focus on law enforcement), changes to union rights, and modernized hiring policies are covered. Lawrence also discusses ongoing challenges, including retirement application backlogs, the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, legislative proposals affecting job security, and efforts to reclassify civil service roles. The episode underscores the rapidly changing landscape and the importance of staying informed about policies impacting federal careers, benefits, and retirement.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(07:41) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(12:31) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(20:31) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected