John Sarbanes

In today’s Federal Newscast, members of Congress are taking different approaches to make sure agency telework policies remain unhindered.

New telework schedules and policies went into effect for employees at the Social Security Administration this week. But the agency shows no signs of easing those policies amid growing concern over the spread of coronavirus.

A bicameral pair of lawmakers have reintroduced legislation for the sixth consecutive year now, which would ensure employees get a federal pay raise in 2021.

Citing the Government Accountability Office’s plans to increase its capacity to conduct science and technology audits later this year, the Commerce Department’s inspector general said staffing up GAO makes more sense than reviving the Office of Technology Assessment. 

In today’s Federal Newscast, several DC area members of Congress want to know if it’s realistic for federal employees to expect more money in their next paycheck on March 15.

House Democrats in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia said they’re reminding their colleagues during the government shutdown: most federal employees live outside the Washington metropolitan area.

A coalition of House Democrats from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are calling on congressional leadership to change course on the president’s proposed federal pay freeze.

Following the recent rollback of telework agreements at the Education and Agriculture departments, two D.C.-area lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at protecting and expanding existing agency telework agreements.

Office of Management and Budget attempted to sell lawmakers on its reorganization proposals Wednesday. The proposal to reorganize the Office of Personnel Management sparked mostly concern from members.

After spending years building its telework policy into one of the most popular programs of its kind, the Education Department will significantly reduce the ability of its employees to work from home.