Federal Drive

• Schumer, McConnell offer up 45-day shutdown solution

  In today's Federal Newscast: The leaders in the U.S. Senate have an agreement. Now what? Since 2020, IRS chatbots have assisted over 13 million American taxpayers. And the 2023 Combined Federal Campaign is ready to take your donations.

  Federal Newscast

  September 27, 2023
• Got an airport? Customs and Border Protection is available for hire

  Companies operating at U.S. airports sometimes need extra help in processing inbound international passengers or cargo. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide that help as a service, for which the agency receives reimbursement.

  Workforce

  September 26, 2023
• One big supply chain security issue starting to get more attention

  The Chips Act shoveled billions of taxpayer dollars to the microelectronics industry. One reason for making more circuits domestically is greater cybersecurity and supply assurance. Now a sort of overlooked piece of the electronics supply chain is gaining attention in Congress: The boards the chips are mounted on. For more, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with the Executive Director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, David Schild.

  Technology

  September 26, 2023
• OMB tells agencies to update plans for a government shutdown

  In today's Federal Newscast: USPS wanted to break even this fiscal year. Instead, it has lost nearly $7 billion. The CIO-SP4 governmentwide acquisition contract might finally be in the home stretch. And OMB tells agencies to update their plans for a government shutdown.

  Federal Newscast

  September 26, 2023
• There’s only one question before Congress, at least this week

  With the machinery already cranking up for a federal government shutdown, can Congress pull itself together to pass a continuing resolution? The situation is fluid.

  Government Shutdown

  September 25, 2023
• Is spending on American defense too much or perhaps not enough on the right things

  Whether you think the U.S. defense budget is too big or two small, one thing is for sure: The planned increase in spending doesn't keep up with inflation. For more on that, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked with someone who says there are ways to reallocate the $800 billion odd dollars to get more capability: Heritage Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Wilson Beaver.

  Defense

  September 25, 2023
• Government shutdown survival tips from someone who’s been through them

  You will survive the government shutdown, if there is one. But it takes some planning and a little knowledge of what to expect. To get some thoughts from a veteran of government shutdowns, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked with former Postal Service Manager Abe Grungold.

  Government Shutdown

  September 25, 2023
• Maintenance issues ground America’s 450 F-35 fighters half the time

  In today's Federal Newscast: Half the time, GAO says, America's 450 F-35 fighters are grounded because of maintenance issues. GSA again extends the due date for bids for OASIS+. And the VA is taking back nearly $10 million in bonuses.

  Federal Newscast

  September 25, 2023
• How bad would a government shutdown really be?

  There are lots of reasons why its bad when politicians fail to appropriate money to keep the government going at the end of a fiscal year. This year's shutdown brinksmanship is sharper than ever. So what's so bad if the government shuts down for a few days or a month? Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked about a list of reasons with Vice President of Research for the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Jeff Holland.

  Government Shutdown

  September 22, 2023
• If you want new culture in your agency, try yogurt

  The drive for economy and efficiency in government operations never ceases, especially when operational budgets don't grow like entitlements or grants budgets. So its up to leadership to foster a culture of ever-better productivity. Most don't to such a great job. Says who? Federal Drive Host Tom Temin's guest Bob Tobias, a long-time federal leadership professor, coach, and general smart guy.

  Management

  September 22, 2023
• A former president’s library has a new archivist

  It's hard to believe that Richard Nixon left office nearly 50 years ago. Some seasoned observers well remember that that image of a waving Nixon boarding the helicopter, after resigning from office. Now the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, has a new director. Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with Tamara Martin.

  Management

  September 22, 2023
• With shutdown looming, don’t overestimate your chances of success in the private sector

  Shutdown countdown on your mind? Tired of congressional vilification? You might be thinking of how great a private sector job would be. Think twice. Many civilian public servants and military people do have great post-government careers. But the private sector offers no guarantees either, and a government or military career may not necessarily have prepared you for work outside of government.

  Federal Report

  September 21, 2023
• A financial planning checklist, as summer draws to a close

  As autumn brings renewed thoughts of financial plans, Open Season for the federal health benefits plans is approaching.

  Pay & Benefits

  September 21, 2023
• In suicide prevention month, let’s not forget the four-legged friends

  September is suicide prevention month, with lots of prevention information coming out of places like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A year in, the federally-backed 988 suicide prevention line has received millions of calls. But now we take a moment to celebrate how service dogs can help with the persistent problem of veteran suicide. For details, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin talked with Cole Lyle, the Executive Director of the Veterans Advocate group called, "Mission Role Call."

  Veterans Affairs

  September 21, 2023