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- 🇰🇷KR · Government#1791K to 10K
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300 to 3K🎙 Daily cadence·45 episodes·Last published 4d ago - Monthly Reach
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1K to 10K🇰🇷100% - Active Followers
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400 to 4K
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From 11 epsHost
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Recent episodes
The FED Weekly 14-20 Jun 2026 (Episode 55)
Jun 21, 2026
20m 29s
The FED Weekly 7-13 Jun 2026 (Episode 54)
Jun 14, 2026
25m 51s
The FED Weekly 31 May - 6 Jun 2026 (Episode 53)
Jun 7, 2026
28m 09s
The FED Weekly 24-30 May 2026 (Episode 52)
May 31, 2026
23m 49s
The FED Weekly 17-23 May 2026 (Episode 51)
May 24, 2026
32m 08s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/21/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 14-20 Jun 2026 (Episode 55) | Major updates include strict new eligibility verification requirements for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, set to begin July 1, and a looming audit to remove ineligible dependents. Rising health insurance premiums are straining both active and retired employees, with many survivors now facing “negative net annuities,” in which pension payments don’t cover health insurance premiums. Ongoing processing delays at the Office of Personnel Management continue to impact retirees. Congress debates the Jawbone Act to prevent government-imposed online censorship, while federal worker unions challenge politically charged hiring questions on USAJobs.gov. Facility relocations—NSF and HUD—are delayed and over budget, exacerbating workforce stress. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is criticized for eroding union protections and reducing disability benefits, while the Major Richard Starr Act seeks to expand military retiree benefits. Additional highlights include cuts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, new rapid VA hiring policies, and legislative moves to restore collective bargaining at the Department of Defense. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying informed amid a rapidly changing workforce and retirement landscapes. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:55) - Premium Hikes And Plan Changes (04:32) - Negative Net Annuities Crisis (05:45) - JAWBONE Act And Free Speech (07:13) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:16) - TSP Modernization Bill (09:29) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:32) - Article II Firings En Banc Appeal (11:47) - USAJobs Essay Questions Lawsuit (13:41) - Agency Relocations And Costs (15:11) - VA Package And Worker Protections (17:26) - VA Hiring Speed Changes (18:03) - CISA Cuts And Cybersecurity Bill (19:04) - Other Workforce Updates (19:53) - Closing And Next Week | 20m 29s | ||||||
| 6/14/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 7-13 Jun 2026 (Episode 54) | The conversation focused on key updates affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of June 7–13, 2026. One concept discussed was the accelerated depletion date for the Social Security Trust Fund, now projected for 2032, which could trigger 22–28% benefit cuts if Congress fails to act. A key theme that emerged was the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which fully repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, substantially increasing benefits for many public-sector retirees. The discussion explored ongoing disparities in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) across retirement systems, with advocacy for the Equal COLA Act growing urgent as inflation rises. Several points were raised, including regulatory changes: a controversial non-disclosure agreement mandate for federal employees; the implementation of an at-will Schedule Policy; Career positions reducing job security; and a new CISA directive that overhauls federal cybersecurity requirements in response to AI-driven threats. Updates were also provided on challenges in retirement claim processing, new digital tools, trends in Medicare Advantage enrollment, and stalled legislation to raise federal VSIP buyout caps. Overall, the landscape for federal workers and retirees remains highly dynamic, with significant legislative, regulatory, and practical implications. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (03:16) - Fairness Act Payments Rollout (06:39) - OPM Proposed NDA Debate (09:00) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:03) - Legislative Bills and the Fight for Equal COLAs (12:16) - OPM Claims Processing Changes (14:49) - Medicare Advantage Surge (15:40) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:43) - Legislative Bills and the VERA/VSIP Cash Buyout Cap (18:05) - Schedule Policy Career Shakeup (21:36) - CISA BOD 26-04 Patch Rules (25:15) - Wrap Up and Next Week | 25m 51s | ||||||
| 6/7/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 31 May - 6 Jun 2026 (Episode 53)✨ | federal employeesretirement+4 | — | Department of Homeland SecurityCongress+2 | — | federal workforcepay raise+3 | — | 28m 09s | |
| 5/31/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 24-30 May 2026 (Episode 52)✨ | federal employee updatesretirement benefits+5 | — | Thrift Savings PlanInternational I Fund+7 | — | Thrift Savings Planretirement+5 | — | 23m 49s | |
| 5/24/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 17-23 May 2026 (Episode 51)✨ | federal employeesretirement issues+4 | — | FEMASocial Security+1 | — | federal employeesretirees+7 | — | 32m 08s | |
| 5/18/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 10-16 May 2026 (Episode 50)✨ | federal employee updatesretirement claims+5 | — | IRSTIGTA+2 | — | federal employeesretirement+6 | — | 17m 35s | |
| 5/10/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 3-9 May 2026 (Episode 49)✨ | federal employeesretirees+5 | — | Office of Personnel ManagementPublic Service Recognition Week+3 | — | federal employeesretirees+5 | — | 17m 33s | |
| 5/3/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 26 Apr - 2 May 2026 (Episode 48)✨ | federal employee benefitsanti-fraud legislation+4 | — | House Committee on OversightSocial Security Administration+4 | — | TSP portfoliosanti-fraud bills+7 | — | 14m 08s | |
| 4/26/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 19-25 Apr 2026 (Episode 47)✨ | DHS ShutdownFederal Workers+5 | — | Department of Homeland SecurityCongress+5 | — | DHS ShutdownFederal Employees+5 | — | 14m 41s | |
| 4/19/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 12-18 Apr 2026 (Episode 46)✨ | federal employeestax law changes+5 | — | GSACDC+2 | — | federal employeestax cuts+6 | — | 24m 31s | |
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| 4/14/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 5-11 Apr 2026 (Episode 45)✨ | federal employeesretirees+5 | — | OPMTIGTA | — | federal employeesretirees+5 | — | 9m 27s | |
| 4/5/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 29 Mar - 4 Apr 2026 (Episode 44)✨ | federal employee updateshealth benefits+4 | — | Merit Systems Protection BoardHHS | — | federal employeesretirees+6 | — | 8m 12s | |
| 3/29/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 22-28 March 2026 (Episode 43)✨ | federal employeesretirement+5 | — | Department of Homeland SecuritySenate+7 | — | DHS shutdownfederal employees+5 | — | 19m 23s | |
| 3/23/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 15-21 Mar 2026 (Episode 42) | In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover essential updates for federal employees and retirees for March 15-21, 2026. Key highlights include the Social Security Administration’s completion of $17 billion in retroactive payments after the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, boosting lifetime benefits for many public servants. Sunshine Week spotlighted transparency challenges, especially the reduction of FOIA officers and new policies affecting records at the Department of Homeland Security. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums up 12.3% and significant changes—such as the end of coverage for gender transition services. Administrative bottlenecks at OPM have nearly doubled the time it takes to process retirements. Federal workers face a prolonged DHS shutdown, pay concerns, mass reclassifications under Schedule Policy Career, and falling engagement. Legislative moves include the proposed 2027 FAIR Act, seeking a 4.1% federal pay raise to address pay gaps. The episode wraps with advice to stay informed amid these rapid and complex federal workforce changes. (00:00) - Welcome and Overview (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (03:13) - Sunshine Week Transparency Fights (05:13) - COLA Early Read for 2027 (06:21) - Virginia Women Veterans Week (07:20) - USPS Career Events and Insolvency Warning (08:37) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:16) - Coverage Changes and FEDVIP Updates (11:50) - OPM Retirement Backlog Surge (12:44) - Tax Basics for Retirement Income (13:41) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:19) - Court Wins and HR System Overhaul (17:14) - Schedule Policy Career and 2027 Pay Push (19:07) - Engagement Drop and Closing Wrap | 20m 31s | ||||||
| 3/16/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 8-14 Mar 2026 (Episode 41) | This episode of The FED Weekly covers the week of March 8-14, 2026, spotlighting critical updates for federal employees and retirees. Key topics include a major data breach involving the Social Security Administration, raising alarms about personal data security, and the risk of identity theft. Lawrence reviews new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) performance data, highlighting strong gains for international funds. There’s concern that cost-of-living adjustments will be offset by significant Medicare premium hikes, thereby minimizing retirees’ real income gains. Important legislation is discussed, such as the FAIR Act, which proposes a 4.1% pay raise, and the True Shutdown Fairness Act, which aims to protect federal workers during government shutdowns. The episode also explores administrative delays, underrepresentation of women in benefits, and changes to federal employment protections—including the controversial Schedule PC, which weakens job security and due process for many federal workers. Legal victories for employees at the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs are noted, while other agencies face layoffs and operational challenges. The episode wraps with guidance for retirees on Social Security earnings limits and the ongoing battle to keep retirement benefits aligned with inflation. (00:00) - Welcome and Week Ahead (00:47) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:39) - TSP February Performance (05:16) - COLA vs Medicare Squeeze (06:14) - Pay Raise and Shutdown Bills (07:31) - GAO Transparency Warnings (08:26) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:24) - OPM Delays and Backlogs (10:23) - Retiree Pay and Earnings Rules (12:14) - COLA Disparities and CPI Watch (13:36) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:34) - RIF Rule Overhaul Proposal (17:09) - Telework and Union Wins (17:58) - Agency Turmoil and Security Scandal (19:14) - Attorney Fees Court Win (20:14) - Wrap Up and Subscribe | 20m 50s | ||||||
| 3/8/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 1-7 Mar 2026 (Episode 40) | In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover critical updates for federal employees and retirees during March 1–7, 2026. The ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now in its third week, has left thousands without pay, heightening concerns over operational security and worker well-being. Legislative efforts like the Shutdown Fairness Act and full DHS funding are in focus. For retirees, the Social Security Fairness Act’s retroactivity problem is spotlighted, with advice on appealing denied payments, and OPM’s push toward digital retirement processing is examined amid high backlogs. Updates include 2026 cost-of-living adjustments, new retirement earnings limits, and TSP plan changes. For current workers, the episode highlights transformative civil service reforms under the Trump administration, including a move toward an at-will workforce and performance-based layoff proposals. Federal pay remains tight, but targeted pay bills and recruitment initiatives are underway. The landscape is rapidly shifting, making staying informed crucial for the entire federal workforce. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:05) - Shutdown Fairness Act Push (05:04) - Social Security Fairness Snag (07:02) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (09:59) - COLA FEHB Earnings Updates (13:00) - At Will Civil Service Shift (13:17) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:35) - RIF Rules And Pay Fight (17:10) - Other Workforce Headlines (18:59) - Wrap Up And Next Week | 19m 35s | ||||||
| 3/1/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 22-28 Feb 2026 (Episode 39) | This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments from February 22-28, 2026, impacting both current and retired federal employees. Key topics include the ongoing partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, which has disrupted agency operations and pay for thousands of essential workers, and new data on Thrift Savings Plan investment gains and the introduction of a Roth in-plan conversion tool. The episode highlights a Supreme Court decision affecting tariff policies, changes in cost-of-living projections, and a significant referendum in the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. It also examines digital shifts in benefit documentation, proposed Medicare Advantage rate changes, and concerns about tax bracket creep, which reduces retirees’ net income. For current employees, the Office of Personnel Management’s proposed overhaul of the federal performance management system—introducing forced distributions and removing certain union rights—marks a transformative shift. The episode wraps up with reminders of the importance of staying informed about evolving policies that affect federal workers and retirees. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:37) - TSP Gains and Roth Tool (06:47) - COLA and Tariff Ruling (08:52) - Engineers Week Spotlight (09:38) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (11:33) - OPM Goes Paperless (12:36) - Medicare Advantage Rates (13:38) - Tax Bracket Creep (15:26) - Survivor Benefits Review (16:21) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (19:15) - Wrap Up and Subscribe | 19m 51s | ||||||
| 2/22/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 15-21 Feb 2026 (Episode 38) | We cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees. The episode details the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, highlighting the uncertainty over back pay for furloughed workers due to a recent change in OPM guidance. Updates include a legislative push to expand fertility coverage in FEHB and PSHB plans, as well as the first baseline for the 2027 retirement COLA. The Social Security Administration faces staffing cuts and controversial reassignment of specialists, affecting retirees’ access to services. There's new guidance on Thrift Savings Plan rollover strategies and status updates on OPM retirement processing times. For current employees, the episode discusses the shift towards at-will status for certain career positions under Schedule PC, challenges to union protections, a bill extending federal probationary periods, and a mass lawsuit alleging politically motivated terminations. Legislative news also touches on NASA reauthorization and telework challenges at the VA. Overall, this episode underscores rapid policy changes and ongoing uncertainties shaping retirement, benefits, and workplace rights in the federal sector. (00:00) - Welcome to The FED Weekly (Feb 15–21, 2026) (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:09) - DHS Shutdown: Who’s Working, Who’s Furloughed, and the Back Pay Question (03:34) - FEHB/PSHB Fertility Coverage Push: Lawmakers Call for IVF Expansion (04:53) - Early Look at 2027 COLA + FECA Benefit Increase Confirmed (05:57) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:06) - TSP Retirement Planning: New Roth Conversion Tool and Savings Gaps (09:09) - OPM Retirement Processing Update: Backlogs, Timelines, and Services Online (09:43) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:56) - Union Contracts in the Crosshairs: OPM Memo to Repudiate CBAs (13:14) - Probation Period Overhaul: H.R. 5750 and Two Years Without Full Protections (14:15) - Legal Battles & Appeals Shakeup: Mass Lawsuit + OPM Rules Target MSPB (16:08) - Rapid-Fire Policy Updates (NASA, Congress Pay, VA Telework, DHS Admin Funding) (17:36) - Wrap-Up: What It All Means and How to Stay Informed | 18m 11s | ||||||
| 2/16/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 8-14 Feb 2026 (Episode 37) | This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of February 8-14, 2026. Key topics include the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, which left essential staff unpaid and sparked a major union lawsuit. The episode also reports on the end of a ban on federal workforce reductions, a proposed overhaul of the reduction-in-force appeals process, and new guidance for reclassifying high-level positions as “at-will.” Legislative updates include the introduction of the FAIR Act for a 4.1% 2027 pay raise and the ongoing implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which is increasing payments for millions of retirees. Other highlights feature new tax rules for 2026, a spike in health insurance premiums, new retirement system efficiencies, workforce modernization initiatives, and the observance of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. (00:00) - Welcome to The FED Weekly (Feb 8–14, 2026) (00:48) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (03:17) - RIF Moratorium Ends + OPM Plan to Centralize Layoff Appeals (05:06) - Schedule Policy/Career: 50,000 Roles Shift Toward ‘At‑Will’ (06:13) - FAIR Act Introduced: Proposed 4.1% Federal Pay Raise for 2027 (07:03) - Federal Workforce Caucus + National Salute to Veteran Patients Week (08:39) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:05) - COLA vs. Medicare Part B Hike + OPM Retirement Processing Speeds Up (11:53) - SSA Staffing Shortages, New 2026 Tax Changes, and SSI Payment Shift (14:06) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (15:22) - Tech Force Recruiting, TSP Roth Conversion Tool, and Retirement Expansion Bill (17:35) - Court Ruling for Senior Execs + FEHB/PSHB Coverage & Premium Updates (19:42) - Wrap-Up, Subscribe, and Next Week’s Outlook | 20m 18s | ||||||
| 2/9/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 1-7 Feb 2026, (Episode 36) | In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on federal workforce developments for the week of February 1-7, 2026. Key highlights include President Trump signing the $1.2 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, ending the partial government shutdown, and stabilizing government operations—though DHS funding remains temporarily unresolved. Federal civilian workers received a 1% pay raise, lagging behind retiree COLA increases. Major legislative movements featured reforms in procurement, early separation incentives for federal employees, and renewed interest in bills addressing retirement fairness and pay raises. OPM issued updated shutdown guidance and introduced Roth-in-Plan conversions to the Thrift Savings Plan. Retirees are facing delays due to a backlog in OPM retirement processing, while healthcare premiums and administrative changes add to their concerns. For current employees, a finalized rule reclassifies many policy-determining roles as at-will, reducing key protections and triggering union protests, alongside stricter performance rating distributions and data calls on union time usage. The episode closes with advice to stay informed as federal workforce policies continue to evolve. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:32) - Legislative Developments and Pay Adjustments (03:49) - Thrift Savings Plan and Financial Updates (05:15) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (06:45) - Healthcare and Benefit Updates for Retirees (08:22) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:33) - Labor Relations and DHS Funding Deadline (12:11) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up | 12m 47s | ||||||
| 2/2/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 25-31 Jan 2026 (Episode 35) | This episode of The FED Weekly covers the biggest federal workforce updates for January 25–31, 2026. The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after Congress missed the funding deadline, with several agencies experiencing operational paralysis while retirement payments remain unaffected. The episode dives into issues around workforce reduction—over 317,000 jobs lost last year, revised COLA increases for retirees, and the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act. Key policy shifts include a proposed overhaul of federal performance management, union contract terminations at the VA, new pay adjustments (especially for law enforcement), and stricter rules around telework for employees with disabilities. Additional highlights include updates to Thrift Savings Plan rules, USPS financial concerns, and changes in federal health benefits premiums. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:49) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:36) - Postal Service and Financial Updates (05:43) - Federal Workforce Data and Reductions (06:45) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:03) - Health Insurance and NARFE Updates (11:41) - Federal Disability Retirement During Shutdown (12:38) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (20:01) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts | 20m 37s | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 18-24 Jan 2026 (Episode 34) | In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover key developments for federal employees and retirees from January 18–24, 2026. The Office of Personnel Management confirmed a modest 1.0% pay raise for federal workers, while locality pay rates remain frozen. The House passed major spending bills, including provisions to extend Medicare telehealth and reform pharmacy benefit managers. Retirees saw updates to IRS tax forms and new guidance on pension rollover rules, along with reminders on how retirement timing impacts cost-of-living adjustments. Federal law enforcement received a 3.8% special salary rate increase, and the Thrift Savings Plan now automates catch-up contributions. Workforce reductions hit several agencies, prompting union legal action, and leadership changes at the Federal Labor Relations Authority may affect union rights. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of staying informed about these evolving policies and benefits. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:06) - 2026 Federal Pay Adjustment Details (03:19) - House Passes Major Appropriations Bills (06:39) - Digital Accessibility Milestones (07:28) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:43) - IRS Tax Withholding Updates for Retirees (09:32) - The Importance of Retirement Timing (11:00) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:03) - New Salary Rates for Law Enforcement (12:14) - TSP Spillover Method Implementation (13:08) - Agency Layoffs and Workforce Reductions (14:08) - Legal Challenges and Board Quorums (15:27) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged | 16m 02s | ||||||
| 1/18/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 11-17 Jan 2026 (Episode 33) | In this episode of The FED Weekly, we review key developments for federal employees and retirees during mid-January 2026. Highlights include the House passing vital agency funding bills, new protections to ensure federal pay during shutdowns, and a crackdown on improper payments to deceased individuals. The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act brings retroactive benefit payments to millions, while retirees see annuity increases offset by rising Medicare premiums. Updates on new digital data platforms, pay raises (with a focus on law enforcement), changes to union rights, and modernized hiring policies are covered. Lawrence also discusses ongoing challenges, including retirement application backlogs, the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, legislative proposals affecting job security, and efforts to reclassify civil service roles. The episode underscores the rapidly changing landscape and the importance of staying informed about policies impacting federal careers, benefits, and retirement. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (07:41) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (12:31) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (20:31) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged | 21m 07s | ||||||
| 1/11/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 4-10 Jan 2026 (Episode 32) | We break down the latest news impacting federal employees and retirees. The big legislative update is the House passing HR 6938, a minibus appropriations bill that protects funding for agencies like NASA and EPA and rejects proposed budget cuts. Pay rates are set for 2026, with most federal workers receiving a modest 1% increase, while law enforcement gets a higher adjustment. Attrition is up across the federal government, with notable losses in the Departments of Education and Treasury. Retirees under CSRS and FERS will get cost-of-living increases—2.8% and 2.0% respectively. OPM changes the tax form 1099R delivery to electronic by default, and the TSP’s G Fund interest rate rises. There’s also a new option for Roth in-plan conversions. NARFE proposes extending board term limits during government restructuring. Telework rules are tightening, with remote work now generally restricted, sparking union opposition. FEMA begins workforce reductions despite ongoing legal battles against mass terminations. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:28) - Federal Pay and Workforce Policies (04:50) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:34) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:16) - FEMA Workforce Reductions (10:43) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up | 11m 18s | ||||||
| 1/5/26 | ![]() The FED Weekly 28 Dec 2025 - 3 Jan 2026 (Episode31) | In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap key developments for federal employees and retirees from December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Highlights include President Trump’s executive order granting extended holidays, which resulted in forfeited use-or-lose leave for some workers. Federal health benefit premiums have surged again—up 12.3% for most and 11.3% for postal workers—outpacing inflation. Congress faces a looming January 30 funding deadline after a record-breaking shutdown last fall. Retirees receive a finalized 2026 COLA: 2.8% for CSRS/Social Security and 2.0% for FERS. Errors on annuitant statements are addressed, with reassurance on actual payments. Recent Social Security bills aim to improve services but don’t address major benefit reforms. Notably, the repeal of the windfall elimination provision is now in effect for the first full year. The 2026 federal pay raise is low—just 1%—except for law enforcement, who receive about 3.8%. Major executive actions are ending most telework and prompting union backlash amid significant workforce cuts, especially in education and veterans’ affairs. Retirement savings rules also change, with higher contribution limits and mandatory Roth catch-ups for higher earners. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:46) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (02:09) - Healthcare Costs and Premium Increases (03:20) - Legislative Updates and Government Operations (05:50) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (07:46) - Social Security and Medicare Changes (10:07) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (14:37) - Retirement Savings and TSP Updates (15:50) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up | 16m 26s | ||||||
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