Author Archive
Eric Katz
Senior Correspondent

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.
Threats
Climate Change Has FEMA Working Year-Round, Straining Its Workforce
Once just a few months long, "busy season" now lasts all year. That's hurting the volunteers and reservists who supply much of FEMA's surge capability.
- Eric Katz
Policy
'Decimated' By Trump, State Dept. Is Falling Short of Some Key Biden Goals
The department is rebuilding, looking to fill vacancies and budget shortfalls.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Hiring for the Foreign Service Is Getting an Overhaul
The nearly 100-year-old test will play less of a role in picking candidates.
- Eric Katz
Threats
FEMA Sees ‘Mass Exit’ of Employees Amid Surge in Disasters
Even as its temporary workforce grows, its career staff are struggling to handle more than a thousand ongoing responses.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Court Hits Pause on Vaccine Mandate for DOD, Other Federal Employees
A judge said Biden overstepped his authority in imposing the mandate, which has led more than 97% of feds to get fully or partially vaccinated.
- Eric Katz
Policy
On Deadline Day, 90% of US Feds Are COVID-Vaxxed
Of the 3.5 million government workers, about 5% are seeking exemptions and about 175,000 are facing disciplinary action.
- Eric Katz
Threats
DHS Tries to Root Out 'Domestic Violent Extremism' In Its Ranks
Department will work "with urgency and focus to address" insider threats, secretary says.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Only a Tiny Fraction of Sexual Assaults Against DoD Civilians Are Being Documented, GAO Says
Over a recent half-decade, DoD recorded 357 cases of sexual assaults that involved civilian employees. But a survey of employees indicated that thousands may have occurred.
- Eric Katz
Ideas
After a Month, Just 900 DHS Employees Have Received COVID Vaccine
Some 53,000 agency employees are eligible for early access.
- Eric Katz
Ideas
New Biden Directive Shields Federal Scientists From Political Interference
President also calls on agencies to overhaul their vehicle fleet.
- Eric Katz
Threats
Coronavirus Cases Are Spiking at Federal Agencies
More than 100,000 federal personnel have now tested positive for COVID-19, with some agencies experiencing acute upticks.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Feds Have Cut Anti-COVID Workforce By More Than 60%
As cases tick up nationwide, administration officials say they have demobilized feds as missions are completed.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Top Two Homeland Security Officials Are Serving Illegally, GAO Rules
Both acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf and second in command Ken Cuccinelli were unlawfully appointed to their posts, watchdog says.
- Eric Katz
Threats
More Than 39,000 Federal Employees Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Nearly 1% of all federal personnel have contracted the novel coronavirus, with cases spiking in recent weeks at many agencies.
- Eric Katz
Ideas
Trump Admin Lacks Solid Plan to Reopen Federal Offices, GAO Says
Republicans say feds should swiftly go back to work: "It’s time to take our chances," one argues.
- Eric Katz, Government Business Council
Threats
US Officials Detail Preparations for This Autumn's 'Inevitable' Coronavirus Surge
Dr. Anthony Fauci and others say their agencies will not compromise science in their pursuit of treatments and a vaccine.
- Eric Katz
Threats
Thousands of Federal Employees Have The Coronavirus
Many more are quarantined due to possible exposure as employees are on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 and providing essential services.
- Eric Katz
Threats
Federal Employees Worry Their Agencies Aren't Keeping Them Safe from Coronavirus
White House's "maximum telework" edict isn't helping those without computers, or the 85% of feds outside the DC area.
- Eric Katz
Ideas
Trump Freezes Hiring at Another DHS Agency
TSA is the second Homeland Security component agency to suspend taking on new employees.
- Eric Katz, Government Business Council
Policy
DOD Is Punishing Whistleblowers More Often and with Impunity, IG Says
Lawmakers and advocates say Trump's attacks on the whistleblower that kicked off his impeachment will do long-lasting harm.
- Eric Katz