James Lankford

Telework changes, hiring reforms of 2023 charting a course into the new year

Telework and return-to-office changes at agencies were far from the only pivot for the federal workforce in 2023.

Workforce

Senate lawmakers make another push for ‘accountability’ in federal telework, remote work

Workforce

Could teleworking be the key to getting more military spouses federal jobs?

Federal Newscast

Bill roundup: Committee OKs Border Patrol pay raise, CBP hiring, permanent federal firefighter raise

Pay

FILE - This May 25, 2021, file photo shows a U.S. Passport cover in Washington. Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports. Would-be travelers are overwhelming federal offices as the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions unleashes a pent-up demand for passports. Wait times for new passports and renewals are now up to 18 weeks and those seeking expedited appointments can take up to 12 weeks. (AP Photo/Eileen Putman, File)

Senator hopes to speed up passport process before summer ends

Federal Newscast

Amelia Brust/Federal News Network

Federal ‘experiment’ to fast-track sale of underutilized property falling behind on goals

Facilities/Construction

Senator thinks preserving secret Parisian butchers’ language was a waste of American tax dollars

Federal Newscast

Federal prison system, cybersecurity, human capital and more on GAO’s high risk list

Agency Oversight

‘OPM sent a signal’: Still no final regulations on 2017 administrative leave law

Agency Oversight

OPM wants to help formerly incarcerated people find work in federal government

Federal Newscast

FILE - In this June 17, 2016 file photo, U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., speaks to the new Oklahoma Highway Patrol Officers during their graduation ceremony in Edmond, Okla. Lankford and Oklahoma's four incumbent GOP U.S. House members who face challengers in this year's general election all have massive fundraising advantages and are heavy favorites in next month's general election. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Senate legislation seeks to expand early-career pipeline for federal service

Hiring/Retention

Senators want to know if federal contractors are actually complying E-Verify rule

In today’s Federal Newscast, three senior Republican Senators are calling on the Government Accountability Office to look into whether federal contractors…

Federal Newscast

Delta variant has forced some agencies to adjust return-to-work plans

In today’s Federal Newscast, the delta variant of COVID-19 is pushing back return-to-work timelines for some federal employees.

Federal Newscast

Chairman Sen. Gary Peters., D-Mich., speaks during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs & Senate Rules and Administration joint hearing on Capitol Hill, Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, to examine the January 6th attack on the Capitol. (Erin Scott/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

First Look

Senators introduce bill to incentivize agencies to lease space they don’t need

Facilities/Construction

The Saving Money and Accelerating Repairs Through (SMART) Leasing Act would allow agencies to sublease underutilized real estate to “any person or entity at fair market value,” including another federal, state, or local government agency.