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.
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
Policy
Lawmakers Expect a Stopgap Spending Measure to Avoid an October Shutdown
For the first time in decades, the Senate hasn’t marked up a single appropriations bill in subcommittee, a Democratic aide said.
- Eric Katz
Policy
State Dept. IG: Hiring Freeze Hurt Border Security, Counterterrorism, and Other Priorities
Imposed by Rex Tillerson soon after Trump took office, the 16-month freeze crushed morale and hindered operations, the inspector general found.
- Eric Katz
Policy
White House Pauses Some Diplomatic Spending
The move could provide a path for OMB to circumvent spending levels spelled out by Congress.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Warren Vows to Double the Number of Career Diplomats at State
Democratic candidate calls for massive overhaul to the State Department and how it manages its employees.
- Eric Katz
Policy
New VA Whistleblower Protection Office Is Under Investigation for Retaliating Against Whistleblowers
"You don’t want to come forward," one whistleblower said. "People are afraid."
- Eric Katz
Policy
Trump Removes Top DHS Staff
The slew of departures, apparently without plan or precedent, drew bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill.
- Eric Katz
Threats
One in Five TSA Screeners Quits Within Six Months
TSA administrator says low pay is to blame and promises new compensation system soon.
- Eric Katz