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

About this episode

This episode discusses the ongoing DHS shutdown and its impacts on federal workers, along with various policy changes and retirement issues.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Dave Faulk

Topics covered

• DHS Shutdown
• Federal Workers
• Retirement Benefits
• Health Benefits Data
• Tax Changes
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments
• Policy Changes

Keywords

• DHS Shutdown
• Federal Employees
• Retirement Processing
• Health Benefits
• Tax Deductions
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments
• Social Security

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Department of Homeland Security, Congress, Postal Service, Office of Personnel Management, Social Security Fairness Act, FERS, CSRS

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