VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Career
Vets group blasts Trump plane crash comments as ‘shameful’
The president on Thursday suggested that programs to hire workers with disabilities may have lead to the aircraft collision that killed 67 people.
Vets may see only a small cost-of-living boost in benefits next year
An outside watchdog estimates the benefits adjustment will be less than 3% in 2025.
Federal watchdog investigates Secret Service handling at Trump rally
President Joe Biden already had directed an independent review of the security at the rally.
Ask Kevin: What’s the legal basis for the Part B late enrollment fee?
A reader asks if the enrollment penalty is statutory.
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 Kevin: Why am I paying IRMAA on top of my Medicare Part B premium?
A reader asks why they are subject to a Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount
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 Kevin: Which FEHB national plans offer Medicare Advantage plans?
Here's what retirees can do to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans offered by FEHB plans.
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.
Opinion
Overuse of National Guard threatens to undermine preparedness
Nontraditional missions run the risk of diverting resources that could be dedicated to training and preparedness, the authors say.
Defense Health Agency nurses face recruiting freeze, threats to pay
The agency has held town halls informing employees that it’s suspending a regrade of existing GS-13 nursing positions.
Government power in US is a swirl of checks and balances
Article II of the Constitution said executive power would be vested in the president but didn't specify what those powers specifically were.
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 Kevin: What are the pros and cons to Medicare Part B for retirees?
There are three main reasons to consider enrolling in Part B.
Election officials seek changes to federal rule on cyberattack reports
The proposed rule says state and local election offices must report suspected breaches within 72 hours.
Veterans group hits goal of recruiting 100,000 election workers
When voters head to the polls to cast ballots this November, at least one out of every 10 election workers will be a veteran or a veteran's family member.
