The FED Weekly

Latest Episodes:

The FED Weekly 4-10 Jan 2026 (Episode 32) Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

We break down the latest news impacting federal employees and retirees. The big legislative update is the House passing HR 6938, a minibus appropriations bill that protects funding for agencies like NASA and EPA and rejects proposed budget cuts. Pay rates are set for 2026, with most federal workers receiving a modest 1% increase, while law enforcement gets a higher adjustment. Attrition is up across the federal government, with notable losses in the Departments of Education and Treasury. Retirees under CSRS and FERS will get cost-of-living increases—2.8% and 2.0% respectively. OPM changes the tax form 1099R delivery to electronic by default, and the TSP’s G Fund interest rate rises. There’s also a new option for Roth in-plan conversions. NARFE proposes extending board term limits during government restructuring. Telework rules are tightening, with remote work now generally restricted, sparking union opposition. FEMA begins workforce reductions despite ongoing legal battles against mass terminations.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(02:28) - Federal Pay and Workforce Policies
(04:50) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(07:34) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:16) - FEMA Workforce Reductions
(10:43) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 28 Dec 2025 - 3 Jan 2026 (Episode31) Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap key developments for federal employees and retirees from December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Highlights include President Trump’s executive order granting extended holidays, which resulted in forfeited use-or-lose leave for some workers. Federal health benefit premiums have surged again—up 12.3% for most and 11.3% for postal workers—outpacing inflation. Congress faces a looming January 30 funding deadline after a record-breaking shutdown last fall. Retirees receive a finalized 2026 COLA: 2.8% for CSRS/Social Security and 2.0% for FERS. Errors on annuitant statements are addressed, with reassurance on actual payments. Recent Social Security bills aim to improve services but don’t address major benefit reforms. Notably, the repeal of the windfall elimination provision is now in effect for the first full year. The 2026 federal pay raise is low—just 1%—except for law enforcement, who receive about 3.8%. Major executive actions are ending most telework and prompting union backlash amid significant workforce cuts, especially in education and veterans’ affairs. Retirement savings rules also change, with higher contribution limits and mandatory Roth catch-ups for higher earners.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:46) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(02:09) - Healthcare Costs and Premium Increases
(03:20) - Legislative Updates and Government Operations
(05:50) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(07:46) - Social Security and Medicare Changes
(10:07) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(14:37) - Retirement Savings and TSP Updates
(15:50) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 21-27 Dec (Episode 30) Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees for the week of December 21–27, 2025. Key highlights include President Trump’s executive order creating a five-day federal holiday weekend, a finalized 1.0% general pay raise for most federal employees (with federal law enforcement receiving an additional adjustment), and the last steps before the Postal Service Health Benefits program launch. Lawrence also covers the substantial 12.3% health premium increases, the upcoming 2026 COLA for federal retirees, and changes in Medicare Part B premiums—warning that many retirees will see their COLA consumed by these higher costs. The episode discusses TSA’s union decertification, the hiring surge for AI and cybersecurity experts, ongoing debates over telework policies, and legislative updates, including the Shutdown Fairness Act, the Equal COLA Act, and the FAIR Act.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(01:28) - Pay and Benefits Updates for 2026
(03:41) - Federal Budget and Shutdown Protections
(04:45) - Healthcare Premiums and Costs
(05:26) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(08:16) - Legislative Updates for Retirees
(10:23) - Union Rights and New Hiring Initiatives
(12:42) - Telework Policies and Pay Adjustments
(15:24) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 14-20 Dec (Episode 29) Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees from December 14-20, 2025. Highlights include the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, impacting the federal workforce and supply chain security, plus executive orders granting federal employees extra holiday leave and finalizing a 1% pay raise for 2026—though locality pay remains frozen. There were significant updates to federal health benefits, with premiums rising about 10% and substantial changes in coverage, including the removal of gender transition procedures. Retirees face a growing crisis as OPM's retirement processing backlog triples from the previous year, causing significant delays in benefit payments. Labor tensions are high, with union rights under threat and a new bill (HR 2550) progressing in Congress to counteract executive actions limiting collective bargaining. Other key stories include the launch of the US TechForce hiring initiative, USPS financial troubles, and controversy over agency relocations and transparency rules at USCIS.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(04:10) - Healthcare and Benefits Changes
(07:33) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(12:50) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(21:09) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The FED Weekly 7-13 Dec 2025 (Episode 28) Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the critical updates for federal employees and retirees from December 7-13, 2025. Key focus areas include the end of the federal Benefits Open Season and a sharp 12.3% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026, compounding a 25% hike over two years. Budget negotiations resulted in another temporary continuing resolution, extending federal funding through March 2026 but restricting agency operations. There’s concern over minimal pay raises: most federal workers receive just a 1.0% increase (with no bump to locality pay), far below inflation, except for specific law enforcement roles, who get 3.8%. Retirees face diminishing real income, as rising healthcare and Medicare costs outpace COLA increases. Legislative action saw Congress pass a bill to protect labor rights, but related protections were stripped from the crucial NDAA, leaving defense workers exposed. Additionally, federal wage-grade employees will see retroactive pay raises in early 2026. The episode closes with advice to stay informed and engaged amid ongoing changes in pay, benefits, and labor rights.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - Healthcare Costs and Open Season Conclusion
(05:30) - Government Funding and Continuing Resolution
(10:35) - Administrative and Regulatory Changes
(12:44) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(15:50) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(21:01) - The Battle for Labor Rights: H.R. 2550 vs. The NDAA
(24:36) - Retroactive Pay for Wage Grade Employees
(25:18) - Conclusion: Staying Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 30 Nov-6 Dec 2025 (Episode 27) Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover the critical news for federal employees and retirees from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The Federal Benefits Open Season ends December 8, and participants must act quickly due to plan changes and increased health costs. Flexible spending account re-enrollment is required, with updated IRS limits. The anticipated 2026 pay raise stands at 1.0% for most employees, except law enforcement, who may see a 3.8% increase. Thrift Savings Plan funds show growth, while year-end withdrawal deadlines impact 2025 taxes. Retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA boost, but rising insurance premiums may offset gains. Notably, there’s a temporary block on State Department layoffs due to a court ruling, and OPM drafts impactful regulations to reclassify policy roles, threatening civil service protections. The fight for DoD union rights continues in NDAA negotiations. Finally, delayed wage grade pay raises for DoD workers are being processed, offering relief. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of these evolving workforce and retirement issues.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:48) - Health Insurance Elections Deadline
(02:39) - 2026 Pay Raise Update
(04:35) - Thrift Savings Plan and Economic Data
(06:33) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(06:39) - 2026 COLA and Benefit Adjustments
(08:10) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(08:13) - Legal Confrontations and Civil Service Protections
(10:45) - Schedule F Regulations Re-Emerge
(12:10) - NDAA 2026 and Union Rights
(13:25) - Wage Grade Pay Raises
(14:12) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 23-29 Nov 2025 (Episode 26) Nov 30, 2025

Show notes

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover crucial updates for federal employees and retirees from November 23-29, 2025. The episode breaks down Federal Benefits Open Season—highlighting a significant 12.3% hike in health premiums for 2026—and details how new plan designs shift more costs onto members. Legislative efforts to tackle rising healthcare expenses, including reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers, are also discussed. For retirees, the 2026 FERS cost-of-living adjustment is capped at 2.0%, falling short of matching premium increases, raising concerns about financial security. The episode also explains pay changes: most General Schedule workers receive only a 1.0% increase. At the same time, law enforcement sees targeted boosts, reviews ongoing federal workforce reductions, and faces a high-stakes legislative battle over collective bargaining rights. Lawrence stresses the importance of staying informed as policy and benefit changes continue to reshape the federal workforce landscape.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:48) - The Critical Benefits Window: Federal Benefits Open Season Update
(01:39) - Healthcare Costs and Plan Changes for 2026
(02:58) - Hidden Cost Shifts and Benefit Design Changes
(05:23) - Congressional Actions on Healthcare Costs
(07:27) - Post-Shutdown Recovery and Pay Implementation
(08:39) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(10:47) - Thrift Savings Plan Updates and SECURE 2.0 Implementation
(13:08) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(13:11) - Pay Structure and Workforce Restructuring
(15:37) - Workforce Restructuring and Headcount Accountability
(16:49) - Politicization of Hiring Decisions
(18:03) - Legislative Battle over Collective Bargaining Rights
(19:25) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 16-22 Nov (Episode 25) Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for November 16–22, 2025. Key topics include the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, which features essential plan changes and mandatory actions—especially for those with terminating health or dental plans. If enrolled in a plan ending in 2025, participants must choose new coverage or risk automatic enrollment in a high-premium default plan or loss of dental coverage. The episode also spotlights changes in Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contributions, with high earners required to use Roth options for 2026. For retirees, it covers cost-of-living adjustments and special open season instructions for employees transitioning to retirement. Legislative action includes a bipartisan move to restore federal union rights, significant new OPM compliance and audit measures for DEIA and return-to-office directives, clarifications on manager liability, and new senior leadership development programs.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(01:25) - The Critical Federal Benefits Open Season Window
(02:26) - Crucial Alert Regarding Terminating Plans
(04:30) - 2026 TSP Contribution Limits and Mandatory Roth Catch-Up
(06:42) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(08:05) - Special Open Season Instructions for Retiring Employees
(09:42) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:46) - Major Legislative Action: Defense of Federal Union Rights
(12:12) - OPM’s New Administrative Enforcement Regime
(12:31) - Governmentwide Studies on DEIA and Return to Office Compliance
(14:35) - Clarification of Manager Personal Liability
(17:08) - Other Administrative Memos
(17:50) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

FED News Weekly 9-15 Nov (Episode 24) Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the record-breaking 43-day federal government shutdown, its severe financial impacts on federal employees, and disruptions to public services. Despite the shutdown, the 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season remains scheduled for November 10 – December 8, with some health, dental, and vision plans being discontinued, requiring affected participants to select new coverage. Key updates for retirees include final retroactive payments following the repeal of WEP and GPO, a warning about related scams, and confirmation of a 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2026. On workforce policies, Lawrence highlights a court injunction protecting furloughed employees from termination, ongoing pay debates for 2026—including targeted increases for law enforcement and calls for broader raises by unions—and emerging legislation that could overhaul pay structures and heighten risk for GS employees. The episode emphasizes the importance of federal employees and retirees staying informed as policies and benefits continue to evolve.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:44) - Issues Affecting Federal Workers: Shutdown and Benefits
(00:47) - Government Shutdown: Record-Breaking Crisis
(03:19) - 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season
(05:15) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(05:18) - WEP and GPO Repeal Implementation
(07:50) - 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
(09:51) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:54) - Shutdown Legal Impacts and Job Security
(11:41) - 2026 Federal Pay and Legislative Debates
(14:09) - H.R. 201: Performance-Based Pay Proposal
(16:39) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 2-8 Nov 2025 (Episode 23) Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on critical issues affecting federal employees and retirees during the ongoing government shutdown. Highlights include missed paychecks, reliance on emergency resources, and intense financial strain across the federal workforce. Legislative deadlock persists, with debates over healthcare and new bills, such as the Shutdown Fairness Act, aiming to provide immediate relief. Recent judicial interventions upheld SNAP benefits for millions and blocked reduction-in-force notices, protecting worker stability. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums increasing by 12.3% and new administrative requirements for retirees navigating Medicare. The finalized pay structure for 2026 features a modest 1% general raise, a targeted increase for law enforcement, and frozen locality rates—leaving most employees with eroded compensation due to inflation and rising health care costs. Efforts to restrict telework are intensifying, with return-to-office mandates being linked to workforce reduction strategies.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:43) - Government Shutdown: Impact and Legislative Deadlock
(02:12) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(05:11) - Judicial Interventions and Financial Safeguards
(08:11) - Health Care Premiums and Open Season Planning
(10:17) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(10:20) - Retirement Updates: COLA and Medicare Changes
(11:12) - New Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Health Plan Coordination
(13:40) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(15:52) - The Finalized 2026 Pay Structure and Locality Freeze
(17:56) - Continuing Pressure on Workplace Posture
(19:24) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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