Author Archive

Eric Katz

Senior Correspondent

Eric Katz
Eric Katz writes about federal agency operations and management. His deep coverage of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Postal Service has earned him frequent guest spots on national radio and television news programs. Eric joined Government Executive in the summer of 2012 and previously worked for The Financial Times. He is a graduate of The George Washington University.
Policy

Senate moves on shutdown deal that would fund DOD by CR until Jan. 30

Deal would also ensure administration follows law ensuring backpay. Next up: more procedural moves to send it to the House.

Policy

‘We’re closer to the end': Lawmakers signal some progress in bipartisan talks to end shutdown

The funding lapse is set to reach record levels but senators in both parties voice mild hope of progress.

Threats

Defense civilians, other feds abroad fret about making rent during shutdown

Some employees say their foreign landlords have little sympathy for their “U.S. issue.”

Policy

OMB quietly deletes reference to law requiring back pay to furloughed feds

A White House FAQ now says restitution is only guaranteed to excepted employees forced to work without pay.

Policy

Shutdown poised to drag into next week as layoff threat looms

Senate once again fails to approve spending bill and the two sides remain far divided.

Threats

As government spirals toward a shutdown, Trump promises mass layoffs

A last-ditch effort to keep government funded failed Tuesday night. Agencies will begin furloughing staff on Wednesday.

Policy

Report: Federal agencies have deployed nearly 33,000 employees to assist ICE

Only around 15% of employees working on immigration enforcement are full-time immigration enforcement staff.

Policy

Shortly after laying off hundreds, State hires new class of foreign service staff

The firing-hiring combo is "the definition of wasteful government spending,” according to one staffer.

Exclusive Policy

Trump freezes most training for non-ICE federal law enforcement

The freeze, which will last through year's end, affects military police, inspectors general offices, and dozens of other agencies.

Policy

The State Department laid them off, then it promoted them

The message is "even excellence cannot protect your career," union says, as "fidelity" is added to promotion criteria.

Policy

Trump officials may tell probationary employees that they were fired for cause, actually

But a new audit found that 99.5% of fired IRS probationers had received fully successful performance ratings, or no ratings at all.

Threats

Trump federalizes DC police, declares emergency as crime hits 30-year low

The DC National Guard will be deployed, and the president said he might send in other military forces to help.

Policy

State Department lays off 1,350 employees

The department says the cuts are needed to tame bureaucracy. Critics say they will weaken U.S. strength at a critical time.

Policy

Mass layoffs are imminent, State Department tells employees

The diplomatic agency is poised to be the first to move forward with SCOTUS-blessed RIFs.

Policy

New plans detail State Department layoffs and changes

National-security offices and units that cover Asia and the Middle East will be consolidated or slashed as thousands of employees are laid off.

Exclusive Policy

State Department plans deeper-than-anticipated staff cuts

Some 3,400 jobs are now expected to be eliminated starting on June 2, up from around 2,000.

Breaking News Policy

State to slash 15% of domestic staff, eliminate 132 offices

Layoffs are expected by July 1. No overseas posts are yet affected.