Federal News Network

Staff shortages strain weapons programs, GAO says

Rachel Cohen — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:42:46 +0000

GAO says Pentagon workforce cuts and a hiring freeze have left major weapons programs short-staffed, risking delays and eroding acquisition expertise.

Unions sue DoD over termination of collective bargaining agreements

Anastasia Obis — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:36:12 +0000

The unions argue DoD's decision to terminate collective bargaining reversed its policy to “leave CBAs in place without any reasoned explanation.”

Federal Movers & Shakers | July 3, 2026

Jared Serbu — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:53:25 +0000

Tracking leadership changes across the federal government

House, Senate Dems ringing alarm bells over draft grants rewrite

Jason Miller — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:33:29 +0000

OMB already has received more than 3,600 comments on the revision to 2CFR Part 200 and expect many more as comments close on July 11.

Celebrating America 250 across the federal government

Sean Davis — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:03:45 +0000

The Transportation Department rolled out what Secretary Sean Duffey called “the best program to celebrate America’s birthday.” Their Freedom Moves You campaign is all about promoting images meant to inspire reflection and excitement about the future of transportation and America.

Look out for posters and billboards like the one above.

The Justice Department has a webpage exploring the history of America’s first attorneys general, and the unique roles they played in the Revolutionary War and founding of the nation. Edmund Randolph (pictured) was appointed by President George Washington in 1789, after serving under his command during the war. He would go on to serve as secretary of state, replacing Thomas Jefferson in the role.

What’s better than celebrating with your friends? The State Department is helping spread the anniversary festivities around the world with events at U.S. embassies. Members of the Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band perform in Panama City, Panama, in support of the embassy there.

State has also put together a video exploring 250 years of U.S. diplomacy.

(DVIDS photo/Sgt. Eduardo Delatorre)

A state-of-the-art drone performance lit up the stormy skies above the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Thursday night. A follow-up show celebrating the legacy of the 26th president is scheduled for Saturday evening, at the Billings, North Dakota facility.

(Dept. of the Interior photo via X)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a global townhall event with State Department employees on Thursday.

(Dylan Johnson photo via X)

The U.S. Mint is dishing out party favors everyone can get their hands on — in the form of special edition coins, including dimes, nickels and quarters. They say the imagery on the coins celebrates America’s founding ideals and her long journey “toward a more perfect union.”

The National Park Service’s party plans include a celebration at Mount Rushmore from July 2-4 (tickets needed for July 3 events), as well as the International Naval Review beginning on July 4 in New York Harbor. It’s billing that as a “historic, once-in-a-lifetime gathering of the largest fleet of U.S. and international ships and aircraft in honor of America’s 250th birthday … The celebration will also feature the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world.”

(NPS photo/A. Rimstidt)

The Bureau of Land Management is celebrating America’s 250th along with its own 80th birthday, this year. The bureau’s Freedom 250 Volunteer Celebration seeks to recognize and encourage volunteer clean-up and maintenance efforts around the country.

(BLM Photo)

BLM employees in Alaska marked the occasion with a Freedom 250 hike to the top of Flattop Mountain in Denali National Park, where they displayed the official America 250 flag.

(Dept. of the Interior photo via X)

The Interior Department is holding its Great American Expedition initiative across the country, featuring events that highlight the heritage, recreation and resource conservation work the department and its partner organizations do.

Their site features an interactive map to help you find events near you. Additionally, national parks are free to visit until July 5.

The District of Columbia is also hosting a series of events to celebrate the nation’s 250th, with a handy calendar available on online (though, D.C. itself won’t be celebrating its 250th for a few more years). Outdoor celebrations in the district will likely be a bit subdued, however, as the area is facing a major heatwave through the holiday weekend.

(AP photo)

Want a commemorative item that will always be with you? The Social Security Administration is issuing special Social Security cards for babies born from July 2 until the end of the year.

U.S. Space Force partnered with Professional Bull Riding for a “patriotic spectacle and celebration of America” featuring a bull riding competition at the Air Force Academy’s Falcon Field on June 20.

(U.S. Space Force photo by Dalton Prejeant)

U.S. Space Command unveiled a special America 250 logo for their social media and website.

DoD issues guidance as ban on Chinese companies takes effect

Anastasia Obis — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:18:55 +0000

“People need to get ahead of it. If you start to ask for a waiver starting in 2027, it's going to be a painful process for everyone,” Michael Cadenazzi said.

FAS industry day: New transparency, focus follow a major reorganization

commentators — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:46:01 +0000

Richard Beutel, a senior researcher at the George Mason Baroni Center for Government Contracting, offers some highlights from GSA’s recent industry day.

Bureau of Prisons to close six institutions, citing ‘extreme staffing challenges’

Drew Friedman — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:43:52 +0000

The closures will impact about 500 BOP employees. Their union warns that the agency’s decision will exacerbate an already difficult workforce situation.

USDA expects ‘significant number’ of staff facing relocation to leave their jobs

Jory Heckman — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:14:33 +0000

Internal documents contradict statements from USDA leaders, who repeatedly said they did not anticipate relocations would lead to widespread staffing losses.

Navy says carrier overhaul shift will help sailors

Rachel Cohen — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:17:44 +0000

The Navy will outsource more aircraft carrier overhaul work to industry, aiming to free sailors for training and operations while streamlining maintenance.

Thrift Savings Plan funds see some growth in June

Michele Sandiford — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:15:28 +0000

The I, C and eight of nine L funds have continued to bring back double-digit returns since January.

The FAR rewrite is more than just updated rules

Terry Gerton — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:05:25 +0000

"They've got to be planning ahead for, okay, if this is where the FAR is going, how are we going to be ready to implement that?" said Emily Murphy.

Researchers are taking a different approach to fighting hearing loss

Terry Gerton — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:59:04 +0000

"Part of our program is to be able to deliver this chip where we want it in your brain without cutting a hole in your head," said Dr. Calvin Roberts.

The asset that built America: How federal employees are using physical gold to protect their retirement

wfedstaff — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:28:59 +0000

As you prepare for your own long-term retirement, ensure your life savings share that same unshakeable foundation.

CDC leaders vow hiring surge is coming, echoing promise made months ago

Jory Heckman — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:02:53 +0000

CDC leaders say they're planning to resume hiring after a 25% staffing cut last year, but employees say they've heard this months ago without results.