Another federal shutdown threat looms as Congress heads back to DC
Democratic leaders want answers on a path towards compromise on a host of federal budget fights before the end of next month.
Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Special Features
Open Season Coverage
Tips, tricks, and other information to help you navigate Open Season.
Federal workers, both Democrat and Republican, eager to vote this fall
Past behavior shows this population will show up big at the polls. How feds will vote is less clear.
Office reentry pushing feds to job hunt, Federal Times survey shows
Of those who left their government job, more than a third said the ability to work to telework was the deciding factor.
‘No greater honor’: Federal retirees proud of public service in survey
A desire to serve the public principally motivated many of the more than 530 respondents to pursue a career, long or short, in the federal government.
Latest
VA leaders move to end all abortions at department medical sites
Abortion services had been offered at VA facilities since late 2022, even in some states where the procedures were outlawed. Now that will end.
Senate confirms senior VA advisor to become next department watchdog
The incoming VA Inspector General, Cheryl Mason, worked for several months alongside the senior VA leaders she will now be charged with investigating.
After delay, Senate confirms Sam Brown to lead VA memorial affairs
The combat-wounded veteran and former Senate hopeful will oversee operations at hundreds of VA cemeteries and memorial sites.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
House advances $832 billion military budget plan for next fiscal year
Only a few Democrats broke ranks to support the House's spending plan for Defense Department operations in fiscal 2026.
VA expects 30K voluntary job cuts by October, erasing need for layoffs
More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year.
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
Supreme Court ruling gives extra payouts to some combat-wounded vets
The high court ruled that limits on the government's combat-related special compensation program unfairly took away support for injured vets.
Federal Oversight
‘I felt like a factory worker.’ Why VA psychologists are burning out
The number of veterans seeking mental health treatment continues to rise, but the number of psychologists dropped last year for the first time in a decade.
By Leah Rosenbaum, The War Horse
Retirement
Ask Reg: Can I negotiate my federal salary offer?
Departments and agencies vary in the latitude they give their supervisors and managers to vary the step they offer to a prospective employee.
Ask Reg: How long does it take to be vested for federal pension?
A reader asks if their military service counts toward their retirement eligibility.
Ask Reg: The process for counting active duty time toward retirement
A reader asks what documents are needed to prove the time acquired while in the armed forces.
Your Career
Ask Reg: Can I stay on FEHB self-plus-one if spouse moves to Medicare?
A reader asks when he can shift back to self-only coverage once his spouse moves to Medicare.
Ask Reg: Social Security says I’m subject to Windfall Elimination. Why?
There have been ongoing attempts in Congress and by financial advocates to repeal the WEP.
Ask Reg: Does my military buyback count toward my retirement service?
A reader who wants to apply for deferred retirement wonders if their military buyback counts toward their service time.
Pay and Benefits
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
Management
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
AI and IT
Russian hackers infiltrate Veterans Affairs via Microsoft account
The state-sponsored hacker infiltrated a platform called Microsoft Azure Government, which provides storage, databases and other services to the VA.
By Zamone Perez
