The FED Weekly

This episode covers key developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of March 22–28, 2026. We detail the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, ongoing since October 2025, and the Senate’s tentative deal to fund DHS through September, which faces resistance in the House due to disputes over border security funding 01:22. Legislative remedies to mitigate shutdown impacts are reviewed, including several proposed bills like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and the Social Security Fairness Act implementation, which repeals provisions reducing Social Security benefits for retirees and is now issuing retroactive payments—creating tax and eligibility complications for some 05:26. Concerns include a surge in OPM’s retirement claim backlog, new digital systems, and SSA’s return to full-benefit withholding for overpayment recovery 09:10; this raises hardship fears. Major changes for current employees are also in play: reclassification into Schedule Policy Career positions removes due process rights, a shift towards at-will employment, and proposed performance management reforms introduce forced rating distributions and diminished grievance rights 12:04. Pay discussions shifted to the 2027 FAIR Act, proposing a 4.1% raise to close private/public pay gaps. Other issues included controversial ICE personnel deployments at airports amid staffing shortages from the ongoing shutdown 18:14. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:19) - Senate Deal House Roadblock (02:40) - Shutdown Pay Fixes (05:11) - Social Security Fairness Update (06:48) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:47) - OPM Backlog Modernization (10:43) - SSA Overpayment Crackdown (11:49) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (11:53) -  Reclassification and the Shift to "At-Will" Employment (14:02) - Performance Ratings Overhaul (15:32) - RIF Rules And Layoff Fears (16:22) - FAIR Act Pay Raise Push (17:49) - TSA Staffing Workarounds (18:48) - Wrap Up And Next Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees for the week of December 21–27, 2025. Key highlights include President Trump’s executive order creating a five-day federal holiday weekend, a finalized 1.0% general pay raise for most federal employees (with federal law enforcement receiving an additional adjustment), and the last steps before the Postal Service Health Benefits program launch. Lawrence also covers the substantial 12.3% health premium increases, the upcoming 2026 COLA for federal retirees, and changes in Medicare Part B premiums—warning that many retirees will see their COLA consumed by these higher costs. The episode discusses TSA’s union decertification, the hiring surge for AI and cybersecurity experts, ongoing debates over telework policies, and legislative updates, including the Shutdown Fairness Act, the Equal COLA Act, and the FAIR Act. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:28) - Pay and Benefits Updates for 2026 (03:41) - Federal Budget and Shutdown Protections (04:45) - Healthcare Premiums and Costs (05:26) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:16) - Legislative Updates for Retirees (10:23) - Union Rights and New Hiring Initiatives (12:42) - Telework Policies and Pay Adjustments (15:24) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees from December 14-20, 2025. Highlights include the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, impacting the federal workforce and supply chain security, plus executive orders granting federal employees extra holiday leave and finalizing a 1% pay raise for 2026—though locality pay remains frozen. There were significant updates to federal health benefits, with premiums rising about 10% and substantial changes in coverage, including the removal of gender transition procedures. Retirees face a growing crisis as OPM's retirement processing backlog triples from the previous year, causing significant delays in benefit payments. Labor tensions are high, with union rights under threat and a new bill (HR 2550) progressing in Congress to counteract executive actions limiting collective bargaining. Other key stories include the launch of the US TechForce hiring initiative, USPS financial troubles, and controversy over agency relocations and transparency rules at USCIS. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (04:10) - Healthcare and Benefits Changes (07:33) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (12:50) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (21:09) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the critical updates for federal employees and retirees from December 7-13, 2025. Key focus areas include the end of the federal Benefits Open Season and a sharp 12.3% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026, compounding a 25% hike over two years. Budget negotiations resulted in another temporary continuing resolution, extending federal funding through March 2026 but restricting agency operations. There’s concern over minimal pay raises: most federal workers receive just a 1.0% increase (with no bump to locality pay), far below inflation, except for specific law enforcement roles, who get 3.8%. Retirees face diminishing real income, as rising healthcare and Medicare costs outpace COLA increases. Legislative action saw Congress pass a bill to protect labor rights, but related protections were stripped from the crucial NDAA, leaving defense workers exposed. Additionally, federal wage-grade employees will see retroactive pay raises in early 2026. The episode closes with advice to stay informed and engaged amid ongoing changes in pay, benefits, and labor rights. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:47) - Healthcare Costs and Open Season Conclusion (05:30) - Government Funding and Continuing Resolution (10:35) - Administrative and Regulatory Changes (12:44) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (15:50) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (21:01) -  The Battle for Labor Rights: H.R. 2550 vs. The NDAA (24:36) -  Retroactive Pay for Wage Grade Employees (25:18) - Conclusion: Staying Informed and Engaged

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover the critical news for federal employees and retirees from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The Federal Benefits Open Season ends December 8, and participants must act quickly due to plan changes and increased health costs. Flexible spending account re-enrollment is required, with updated IRS limits. The anticipated 2026 pay raise stands at 1.0% for most employees, except law enforcement, who may see a 3.8% increase. Thrift Savings Plan funds show growth, while year-end withdrawal deadlines impact 2025 taxes. Retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA boost, but rising insurance premiums may offset gains. Notably, there’s a temporary block on State Department layoffs due to a court ruling, and OPM drafts impactful regulations to reclassify policy roles, threatening civil service protections. The fight for DoD union rights continues in NDAA negotiations. Finally, delayed wage grade pay raises for DoD workers are being processed, offering relief. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of these evolving workforce and retirement issues. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) - Health Insurance Elections Deadline (02:39) - 2026 Pay Raise Update (04:35) - Thrift Savings Plan and Economic Data (06:33) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (06:39) - 2026 COLA and Benefit Adjustments (08:10) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (08:13) - Legal Confrontations and Civil Service Protections (10:45) -  Schedule F Regulations Re-Emerge (12:10) - NDAA 2026 and Union Rights (13:25) - Wage Grade Pay Raises (14:12) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover crucial updates for federal employees and retirees from November 23-29, 2025. The episode breaks down Federal Benefits Open Season—highlighting a significant 12.3% hike in health premiums for 2026—and details how new plan designs shift more costs onto members. Legislative efforts to tackle rising healthcare expenses, including reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers, are also discussed. For retirees, the 2026 FERS cost-of-living adjustment is capped at 2.0%, falling short of matching premium increases, raising concerns about financial security. The episode also explains pay changes: most General Schedule workers receive only a 1.0% increase. At the same time, law enforcement sees targeted boosts, reviews ongoing federal workforce reductions, and faces a high-stakes legislative battle over collective bargaining rights. Lawrence stresses the importance of staying informed as policy and benefit changes continue to reshape the federal workforce landscape. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (00:48) -  The Critical Benefits Window: Federal Benefits Open Season Update (01:39) - Healthcare Costs and Plan Changes for 2026 (02:58) -  Hidden Cost Shifts and Benefit Design Changes (05:23) - Congressional Actions on Healthcare Costs (07:27) - Post-Shutdown Recovery and Pay Implementation (08:39) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (10:47) -  Thrift Savings Plan Updates and SECURE 2.0 Implementation (13:08) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (13:11) - Pay Structure and Workforce Restructuring (15:37) -  Workforce Restructuring and Headcount Accountability (16:49) -  Politicization of Hiring Decisions (18:03) - Legislative Battle over Collective Bargaining Rights (19:25) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for November 16–22, 2025. Key topics include the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, which features essential plan changes and mandatory actions—especially for those with terminating health or dental plans. If enrolled in a plan ending in 2025, participants must choose new coverage or risk automatic enrollment in a high-premium default plan or loss of dental coverage. The episode also spotlights changes in Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contributions, with high earners required to use Roth options for 2026. For retirees, it covers cost-of-living adjustments and special open season instructions for employees transitioning to retirement. Legislative action includes a bipartisan move to restore federal union rights, significant new OPM compliance and audit measures for DEIA and return-to-office directives, clarifications on manager liability, and new senior leadership development programs. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers (01:25) - The Critical Federal Benefits Open Season Window (02:26) - Crucial Alert Regarding Terminating Plans (04:30) - 2026 TSP Contribution Limits and Mandatory Roth Catch-Up (06:42) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (08:05) - Special Open Season Instructions for Retiring Employees (09:42) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:46) - Major Legislative Action: Defense of Federal Union Rights (12:12) - OPM’s New Administrative Enforcement Regime (12:31) - Governmentwide Studies on DEIA and Return to Office Compliance (14:35) - Clarification of Manager Personal Liability (17:08) - Other Administrative Memos (17:50) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the record-breaking 43-day federal government shutdown, its severe financial impacts on federal employees, and disruptions to public services. Despite the shutdown, the 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season remains scheduled for November 10 – December 8, with some health, dental, and vision plans being discontinued, requiring affected participants to select new coverage. Key updates for retirees include final retroactive payments following the repeal of WEP and GPO, a warning about related scams, and confirmation of a 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2026. On workforce policies, Lawrence highlights a court injunction protecting furloughed employees from termination, ongoing pay debates for 2026—including targeted increases for law enforcement and calls for broader raises by unions—and emerging legislation that could overhaul pay structures and heighten risk for GS employees. The episode emphasizes the importance of federal employees and retirees staying informed as policies and benefits continue to evolve. (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing (00:44) - Issues Affecting Federal Workers: Shutdown and Benefits (00:47) - Government Shutdown: Record-Breaking Crisis (03:19) - 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season (05:15) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers (05:18) - WEP and GPO Repeal Implementation (07:50) - 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) (09:51) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers (09:54) - Shutdown Legal Impacts and Job Security (11:41) - 2026 Federal Pay and Legislative Debates (14:09) - H.R. 201: Performance-Based Pay Proposal (16:39) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged