The FED Weekly

The FED Weekly 10-16 May 2026 (Episode 50)

We deliver the latest updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of 10-16 May 2026. The Senate approved a rule to withhold Senators’ pay during future shutdowns, echoing concerns about the disconnect between lawmakers and affected federal workers. Ongoing shutdowns caused a significant backlog in retirement claims. A new TIGTA report highlighted rising federal employee tax delinquency, with proposed measures to enable interagency sharing of noncompliance data. The IRS issued guidelines for Trump Accounts—a new retirement vehicle for minors—launching July 2026. Retirees received guidance on FEHB suspensions for Medicare Advantage and the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments: 2.8% for CSRS, 2% for FERS. Tammy Flanagan underscored the benefits of delaying retirement and Social Security claims for higher payouts. New legislation would protect employee credit during shutdowns and introduce voluntary short-term disability insurance. The fiscal year 2027 spending bill proposes a civilian pay freeze despite an alternative 4.1% raise. Wildland firefighter hazard pay and EEOC/MSPB settlement review initiatives were outlined, alongside tightening of telework policies and a proposed ban on DC congestion tolls. Speaker A emphasized the ongoing, shifting landscape and encouraged listeners to stay informed. * (00:00) - Welcome and Weekly Briefing * (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers * (00:47) - Shutdown Pay Rule and Funding Lapses * (02:03) - Shutdown Backlogs and Retirement Claims * (02:32) - Federal Tax Debt Crackdown * (04:17) - Trump Accounts and Duplication Oversight * (05:43) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers * (07:11) - Why Delaying Retirement Pays * (08:37) - Social Security TSP and Best Dates * (11:18) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers * (13:10) - 2027 Pay Freeze and Hazard Pay * (15:25) - MSPB Telework and Commuter Tolls * (16:59) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

The FED Weekly 3-9 May 2026 (Episode 49)

In this episode, we cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 3–9, 2026. The episode spotlights Public Service Recognition Week, overshadowed by controversy over the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) new data policy requiring insurance carriers to submit unredacted medical records, raising privacy and HIPAA concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) milestones are discussed, including expanded telehealth, HSA eligibility, and DPC benefits. Tax reforms under the OBBBA, such as increases in SALT deduction caps and tax breaks on overtime, are highlighted. The Social Security Fairness Act’s repeal of the WEP and GPO is explained, with updates on retroactive payments and ongoing challenges for retirees navigating benefit adjustments. The Postal Service’s funding crisis and the expansion of pharmacy benefits for compensation program enrollees are addressed. For current employees, the episode details the new Schedule PC employment category removing due process rights, proposed forced distribution performance ratings, the push for a 2027 pay raise, expanded fertility benefits, and the Federal Retirement Fairness Act’s progress. * (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro * (00:43) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers * (01:37) - OPM Medical Data Firestorm * (04:00) - OBBBA Health And HSA Changes * (06:18) - Taxes And USPS Retirement Alarm * (08:01) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers * (11:31) - Medicare Deductions And Medicaid Rules * (12:57) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers * (13:00) - Schedule P C And Performance Overhaul * (14:59) - Pay Raise IVF And Retirement Buyback * (16:57) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

The FED Weekly 26 Apr - 2 May 2026 (Episode 48)

Here is the weekly briefing for federal employees and retirees, covering April 26 to May 2, 2026. TSP portfolios rebounded in April after a tough start to the year, with the C Fund leading gains. The House Committee on Oversight advanced nine anti-fraud bills, targeting $186 billion in improper payments reported in 2025. A new report highlighted workforce reform costs and declining federal employee morale, with thriving rates dropping to 48%. Retirees were urged to check for updates on the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, as the SSA continues processing retroactive payments and benefit applications. Medicare Part B and FEHB myths were clarified, noting cost-saving opportunities and income-based surcharges. OPM is modernizing retirement processing to cut delays. For current workers, the DHS shutdown—the longest on record—ended, but with significant personal hardships. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act was introduced to shield workers' credit scores. OPM changed performance appraisal rules for Schedule C and G positions as political reclassification rules advance. Wildland firefighters may receive hazard pay; whistleblower protections strengthen at VA; and House Republicans block a 2027 federal pay raise. The episode emphasizes staying informed amid ongoing changes to pay, benefits, and job security. * (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro * (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers * (02:29) - House Anti Fraud Bills * (04:21) - Workforce Reform Costs * (05:48) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers * (07:28) - Medicare Part B Myths * (08:46) - OPM Retirement Modernization * (09:33) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers * (10:49) - Credit Protection Bill * (11:42) - Schedule F Changes * (12:42) - Quick Hits Pay And Policy * (13:32) - Wrap Up And Subscribe

The FED Weekly 19-25 Apr 2026 (Episode 47)

This week’s episode of The FED Weekly covers the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now the longest in history at 68 days, triggered by Congressional disputes over immigration agency reforms. Severe operational impacts include staff shortages and a lack of basic supplies. A Senate budget resolution may end the shutdown by mid-May. The Postal Service’s suspension of retirement fund contributions raises concerns about pension solvency. The Office of Personnel Management faces pushback over its proposal to collect extensive health benefits data, prompting calls for stricter privacy protections. Tax changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” offer notable new deductions and credits. The Equal COLA Act aims to equalize cost-of-living adjustments for FERS and CSRS retirees. Severe retirement processing backlogs persist, with retirees waiting months for full benefits. Critical deadlines for required minimum distributions and Medicare enrollment have just passed. Positive news includes ongoing Social Security Fairness Act payments. Policy changes for current workers include the implementation of Schedule PC positions, agency relocations outside D.C., the consolidation of occupational series, and major disputes over union rights. OPM also moves toward skills-based hiring in technology fields. * (00:00) - Welcome and Overview * (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers * (00:48) - DHS Shutdown Fallout * (02:37) - FERS Funding Alarm * (03:39) - FEHB Data Privacy * (04:33) - New Tax Rules 2026 * (05:47) - Equal COLA Push * (06:24) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers * (06:28) - Retirement Backlog Crisis * (07:54) - RMD and Medicare Deadlines * (08:37) - Social Security Fairness * (09:27) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers * (09:30) - Schedule P C Rollout * (10:28) - USDA Relocation Plans * (11:32) - Job Series Consolidation * (12:23) - Union Rights Showdown * (13:32) - Skills Based Hiring Shift

The FED Weekly 12-18 Apr 2026 (Episode 46)

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover major developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of April 12–18, 2026. Key highlights include the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which permanently extends tax cuts, increases standard deductions, raises the SALT cap, and introduces new tax benefits and savings accounts for federal families. The episode details rising concerns about the costs and unintended consequences of workforce reforms, including disengagement and downsizing, with specific fallout in agencies such as the GSA, CDC, and IRS. There’s growing opposition to an OPM proposal to expand access to medical records. Updates on retirement and health benefits focus on changes to Medicaid, Medicare, retirement processing backlogs, and COLAs. For current workers, the episode discusses the looming reclassification of 50,000 positions under the new Schedule PC, major staffing cuts, increased reliance on AI and technology, and legislative moves to boost federal pay and guarantee shutdown pay. OPM initiatives to support foster and adoptive families, recruit cybersecurity talent, and expand contract opportunities without requiring a degree are also highlighted. Speaker A emphasizes the need to stay informed amid ongoing policy changes. * (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro * (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers * (00:48) - Tax Law Changes * (04:07) - Workforce Reform Costs * (05:19) - Health Data Privacy Fight * (06:35) - Modernization And Cuts * (08:42) - Family Support Update * (09:16) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers * (09:19) - Retirement Backlog Scrutiny * (11:18) - Medicaid Medicare Shakeup * (12:55) - Social Security Tax Planning * (14:05) - Deadlines And COLA Updates * (16:32) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers * (16:35) - Schedule PC Reclassification * (18:15) - Deferred Resignation Fallout * (19:51) - IRS Staffing Crunch * (20:44) - AI Expansion Risks * (21:35) - Pay And Shutdown Bills * (22:40) - Safety And Hiring Moves * (23:56) - Wrap Up And Subscribe