Lawmakers call on Agriculture Dept to restore employee childcare centers contract
2026-05-28 | 7 mins.
Democrats are demanding that the Department of Agriculture secure new childcare options for federal employees. In April, USDA’s current childcare service provider announced it would not renew its contract, closing two childcare centers in the D.C. region in July. But Democrats say USDA has not communicated any plans to offer an alternative to the employees who rely on those centers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Federal employee union calls for telework return amid rising gas prices
2026-05-27 | 6 mins.
Amid soaring gas prices, a union is urging the Trump administration to allow telework flexibilities for federal employees. The National Treasury Employees Union says a full in-office mandate, coupled with high gas prices, is creating financial burdens for many employees. In a letter to the Office of Personnel Management, NTEU argues that feds should be approved to telework at least until gas prices go back down to normal. The vast majority of federal employees have been working fully in person since 2025, under orders from the White House. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Lawmakers look to take some of the heat in future shutdowns
2026-05-26 | 6 mins.
A bipartisan group of senators is trying to make shutdowns more painful for the members of Congress whose votes cause them. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, requiring lawmakers to remain in Washington D.C. until spending bills are passed. It would also institute automatic 14-day continuing resolutions if spending bills aren’t approved. The legislation was first introduced in 2019 and a companion bill has been introduced in the House. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
House Appropriations Committee looks to reduce 2027 budget for EPA, other agencies
2026-05-22 | 7 mins.
The House Appropriations Committee wants to reduce EPA's budget for fiscal 2027 by $1.8 billion or 20%. At the same time as part of the Interior, Environment and related agencies spending bill, lawmakers are increasing funding for the Interior Department by almost $700 million. The funding bill also supports President Trump’s effort to unify Interior firefighting entities and cuts funding for climate programs. Additionally, the bill would reduce funding for the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art and the National Endowment for the Humanities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Office of Special Counsel may be getting a new leader
2026-05-21 | 7 mins.
The Office of Special Counsel may be getting a new leader. President Donald Trump has nominated Charles Baldis as special counsel for the OSC. If the Senate confirms him, Baldis will be the first permanent leader at the agency in more than a year. Trump fired Hampton Dellinger, the OSC’s previous special counsel and a Biden appointee, in 2025. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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