Federal Drive with Tom Temin

The Army's first ever survey of soldiers living in barracks highlights the same problems that have plagued military housing for decades, including mold and pest infestation issues, security and privacy concerns and poorly maintained facilities. Federal News Network's Anastasia, Obis is here with the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite proposing major cuts to the IRS budget, the Trump administration asked Congress for funds to hire 1000s of customer service representatives ahead of next year's filing season, but House lawmakers are pushing for even steeper IRS budget cuts than what the Trump administration proposed. Here to help us sort this out is Federal News Network's Jory Heckman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. national debt has surged past $37 trillion, raising alarms about its long-term impact on economic stability and generational equity. While some argue that low interest rates make high debt manageable, fiscal experts warn that relying on favorable conditions is a risky bet. Eroding public investment, budget gimmicks, and declining trust in economic data all compound the challenge. Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director of the Concord Coalition, is here to explain what's at stake and what can be done.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress isn't sidelined because it has to be. It's sidelined because lawmakers are choosing to sit out the tough decisions. In today's hyper-partisan, president-driven politics, passivity has become a survival strategy. But when Congress steps back, the balance of power shifts, leaving fewer checks on the executive branch and fewer ways for the public to hold government accountable. That's the warning from Phillip Wallach, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After years of public service, many federal employees walk out the door with hard-earned insights about what works...and what doesn't...in government. But those lessons rarely make it back to Congress. Departure Dialogues is a new project that gives departing civil servants a safe, nonpartisan way to share their wisdom and help fix the system they've spent years trying to make work. Here to fill us in on the details is Managing Director of POPVOX Foundation, Anne Meeker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton When feds leave, a new project makes sure their wisdom doesn't walk out the door with them Is Congressional irrelevance a choice or just the cost of modern politics? We can't keep looking away from our $37 trillion national debtSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump administration's push to reduce the federal workforce has affected virtually all agencies, but just three agencies are responsible for more than half of the total staff reductions so far. Those numbers are expected to continue climbing for the next several months or longer. Here with more analysis, is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal agencies have embarked on numerous initiatives in recent years to recruit and develop more cyber talent, but those efforts have been hobbled by a lack of good data, and now they face an uncertain future amid the Trump administration sweeping workforce changes. For more on what's happening with the cyber workforce Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday is here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leaving the military or federal service is a full-life transition, not just a career change. From health coverage and education benefits to financial planning and family support, knowing what's available can help you shape your future. Here with ideas to get you started is the President of Armed Forces Mutual, Mike Meese.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former feds struggling to translate their government work for today's job market have a new tool in their toolbox. FedsForward is launching today an AI-powered platform built to help civil servants find values-driven roles in other sectors. Created entirely by volunteers, it's the result of deep conversations with federal workers about what they need to thrive outside government. Karen Lee, the co-founder of Feds Forward returns to the show to share more about the tool and how it can help.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From warships off Venezuela to rule changes in the Senate, lawmakers are back in Washington and facing some big issues. Republicans are pushing to fast-track Trump nominees with a new group-vote strategy, while Democrats dig in over funding fights that could trigger a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Trump's expanded use of military force including National Guard deployments and a Caribbean crackdown is raising fresh legal and constitutional questions. Here with the latest on who's playing hardball and what's at stake is WTOP's Mitchell Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry GertonA new platform is helping former feds find their next missionTransitioning from military service or federal work means rethinking benefits, finances, and future plansCongress is back and faced with big issues they can't avoidSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration has been rolling out a series of acquisition reforms in small chunks over the summer. Now the administration is preparing to debut a formal rule making this fall. The goal is to streamline and simplify the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or the FAR. For more, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday joins me now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, this week, approved a plan to detail up to 600 military lawyers to the Justice Department as temporary immigration judges. The goal is to ease a backlog of roughly 3.5 million cases that has grown up over the years. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke with Ira Rushing from the Tully Rinckey law firm about what this process would look like and the precedent this decision could set for the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest Health IT standards update provides a blueprint for better data transferability across care settings. From care plans to device tracking, the focus is on making health information more portable, more usable, and more responsive to real-world needs. Here to explain how the update supports smarter, more seamless data exchange—and why that matters for patients, providers, and public health is Senior Health IT Specialist, in the office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy - Department of Health and Human Services, Sara Armson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new review argues that the Department of Government Efficiency's reform effort departed from established evidence-based practices—leaving behind tools like performance audits, program evaluation, and data-driven decision-making. What might reform have looked like if the agency had taken a more analytical approach? We'll explore that question with Associate Professor at the City University of New York School of Law, Ally Coll. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming up today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A look at the evidence-based reform path DOGE did not take Health IT reform includes data, and making that data move where it's neededSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Department of the Air Force, the IT management landscape has changed a lot in the last year, that includes new leadership positions and organizations in both the Air Force and the Space Force, and within the CIOs office that serves both services, the common thread, officials say is a move toward better integration and faster adoption of new technologies. Federal News Network's Jared Serbu has details on what's changed and why.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More agencies are now under orders from the White House to end agreements with their federal unions. President Trump added a half dozen more agencies to an already extensive list of agencies being required to cancel their collective bargaining agreements. The expansion comes as multiple lawsuits against the administration remain ongoing. Here with more is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal workforce is shrinking fast—OPM says 300,000 fewer employees are on the rolls compared to last year. Agencies are bracing for a retirement wave and some are cutting bargaining rights. Congress is heading toward a budget showdown with a continuing resolution almost guaranteed. What does all this mean for the people who keep government running? John Hatton, staff vice president at NARFE. joins me to break it all down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agile government is a blueprint for reform. By shifting focus to end-users, empowering small teams, and embracing rapid iteration, agencies can better meet public needs in a fast-changing world. That's the foundation of the National Academy of Public Administration's new Agile Learning Program. Here with insight into how the course equips leaders with practical tools for navigating complexity and driving change are Dr. Joe Mitchell and Amanda Mullan. Dr. Mitchell serves as the Cooley-Fanning Director of Strategic Initiatives & International Programs at the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). Ms. Mullan serves as the Academy's Project Director for Strategic Initiatives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Energy Department has just selected 27 entrepreneurs for its Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program—known as LEEP. These fellows will spend two years inside national labs, developing technologies that could reshape energy, manufacturing, and even agriculture. Since its launch in 2015, LEEP has helped over 180 startups raise more than $4 billion and create thousands of jobs. Here to explain how the program works and what's ahead for this year's cohort is Dr. Chris Saldaña, who leads the initiative at DOE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton DOE's latest cohort of innovators is turning science into startups Agile started with tech, but now it's driving smarter, faster, more resilient government What do fading unions, and a funding fight mean for the federal workforce?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A former Department of government efficiency employee who served at the Department of Veterans Affairs say Doge has fallen short on some of its goals, and government is more efficient than he expected. The VA made some changes during his tenure, but he says agencies need to hire more tech talent to make meaningful changes Federal News Network's Jory Heckman joins me with more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research Program, or SBIR is caught in a tug of war. New Age venture capitalists want to modernize the 43 year old program. Long time supporters say legislation is trying to solve problems that don't exist or are overstated. Meanwhile, the SBIR program is at risk of losing its authorization on September 30, for more on the debate that is encompassing the SBIR reauthorization effort federal news networks. Executive Editor Jason Miller joins me now with details and analysis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September usually brings a rush of year-end contract obligations—but not this year. Contractors are seeing delays, waiting on payments,, and watching Capitol Hill for signs of a continuing resolution or a shutdown. Here with guidance for navigating the uncertainty, updates us on the FAR rewrite, and previews PSC's September 16 Hill event is Executive Vice President for Policy at the Professional Services Council, Stephanie Kostro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A year after launching the Postal Service Health Benefits Program, the Office of Personnel Management is facing critical resource shortfalls that threaten its ability to sustain operations. An Inspector General audit warns that without urgent staffing and funding fixes, OPM may struggle to process enrollments, manage benefits, and maintain service for more than 800,000 postal employees and retirees during the 2025 open season. Here to explain what's at stake is the Group Chief, Community-Rated Audits Group, OPM Office of the Inspector General ,Matthew Knupp.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Justice Department has issued new guidance warning that all federally funded programs must comply with antidiscrimination laws. That means no preferences, no proxies, and no exceptions based on intent. The memo outlines legal risks and best practices for avoiding violations, and it's already raising questions for contractors and grantees. To walk us through what's in the guidance and what it means for compliance, I'm joined by Co-Chair of the Employment + Labor Practice at Morrison Foerster, Andrew Turnbull.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A new guidance memo from DOJ warns that equity goals don't override anti-discrimination law in federal programs An IG report flags deep resource risks in the postal health benefits program With a possible government shutdown looming, contractors are looking for guidanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's September already, and in most years, we've had had at least a hint of what next year's Federal employee pay raise would be several months ago, but the Trump administration waited until almost the last possible minute to disclose its pay raise plans. The answer, 1% for most federal employees. Some law enforcement officers will get a much bigger raise, but we still don't know how many or in which agencies, Federal News Network's Jared Serbu has been covering the pay raise news that dropped over the Labor Day weekend, and he's here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Pentagon has slashed its independent weapons testing office and reduced its oversight portfolio by nearly 100 programs. The project on government oversight says the Army's new XM7 rifle program, formally the next generation squad weapon, is by far the most alarming omission. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis is here with more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers return from summer recess with a packed agenda and a charged atmosphere. From appropriations battles and the National Defense Authorization Act to D.C. autonomy and Centers for Disease Control chaos, the work intersects with political theater at every turn. Add late-breaking pocket rescissions to the mix, and the stakes get even higher. Here to map out what's ahead and what's at risk is deputy news director at Bloomberg Government, Loren Duggan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The VA launched a centralized operations center to improve how it handles military sexual trauma claims but a new Inspector General report says the effort brought minimal change. And with VA staffing levels shrinking, the risks to claim accuracy and timely support are only growing. Here to break down what went wrong and what it means for veterans counting on the system to work is the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations at the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, Brent Arronte.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For thousands of Americans with visual impairments, federal acquisition means possibility. Through National Industries for the Blind, meaningful work becomes a path to independence, dignity, and purpose. The organization plays a unique role in federal contracting, blending mission with impact. Here to share how that mission is changing lives is Sorraya Corea, President and CEO of NIB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Opening doors for Americans who can't see, but refuse to be unseen A VA fix for sexual trauma claims was supposed to help, but veterans are still waiting for results Congress is back, and the collision of politics and policy is about to get loudSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Treasury Department watchdog is conducting an audit to see if IRS employees are reporting to the office as often as they claim. President Donald Trump ordered federal employees to return to the office full time soon after taking office himself, but some IRS employees say they're working in unsuitable conditions. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has more on all of this.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

$1 contracts for access to leading edge artificial intelligence companies may be too good to be true. The General Services Administration's recent awards to Open AI and Anthropic are facing protests before the Government Accountability Office with details about the protests and why one vendor is crying foul, Federal News Network's Executive Editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The IRS is facing another shake-up at the top, with the loss of its Senate-confirmed commissioner, a new acting Chief Counsel stepping in, and the Chief of Appeals heading for retirement. That's on top of a 25% staff reduction and deep budget cut, all of which raise serious questions about how the agency will handle enforcement, taxpayer services, and policy implementation. Here to unpack what this leadership churn means for taxpayers and the future of tax administration, is partner at Fox Rothschild, Matthew Lee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal agencies are shifting their small business contracting goals, but not all small firms are seeing the benefits. While overall targets are going up, goals for disadvantaged businesses are being scaled back. Here to explain what's changing, why it matters, and what it could mean for small contractors trying to compete is Attorney with Koprince McCall Pottroff, Stephanie Ellis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new IG report reveals the IRS sent incorrect taxpayer data to the Department of Education—raising serious questions about how federal agencies exchange sensitive information. As the Department of Government Efficiency pushes for broader data consolidation across government and as the IRS continues to shed staff and funding, this slip-up shows how one error can ripple across systems and put personal privacy at risk. Here to unpack the findings and what they mean for future data-sharing efforts is the Director, System Operations, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Jena Whitley. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A federal data mix-up could mean your personal info isn't as safe as you think New contracting goals shift the playing field for small and disadvantaged businesses IRS leadership is in flux and taxpayers may feel the falloutSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of Personnel Management is taking on some big changes this year, like trying to modernize the Federal Retirement System, improve health insurance programs for federal employees, and overhaul the hiring process. But as OPM undertakes those major efforts, the agency is on track to lose 1000 employees, a third of its total workforce by the end of the year. As part of our Workforce Reimagined event Federal News Network's Drew Friedman, got more from OPM Director Scott Kupor. Here's a segment of their conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.