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
Congress averts shutdown with a 45-day stopgap funding bill
Lawmakers passed a bipartisan measure just hours before a funding lapse was set to furlough hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
- Eric Katz
Policy
White House to feds: Prepare for a shutdown
Level of preparedness and communication varies across government agencies as fiscal deadline looms.
- Eric Katz
Threats
Shutdown prep ramps up as Congress hurtles toward deadline
The White House has begun official planning efforts for a shutdown.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Half of DOD civilians would get furloughed in a shutdown, plans show
The Biden administration is planning to take a novel approach at some agencies.
- Eric Katz
Threats
Shutdown looms despite House GOP claims of progress toward spending plan
Confidence in a new short-term funding proposal was short-lived on Thursday.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Unfrozen: How the State Department Has Reversed Its ‘Draconian’ Cuts in Just Two Years
Biden promised to revive a "hollowed out" federal workforce, and at one agency, he has.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Biden Vows to Add Feds at Border, Boost Efforts to Reduce Crossings
The administration will also expand humanitarian programs, though staffing shortfalls could hurt implementation.
- Eric Katz
Policy
New Ranking Member Could Shake up a Key Senate Oversight Committee
A new Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee wants the body to "reassert itself."
- Eric Katz
Policy
Senate Reaches Breakthrough and Passes $1.7T Omnibus Funding Bill
Measure now heads to the House ahead of Friday's shutdown deadline.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Defense Spending to Soar to $858B in $1.7T Omnibus Bill
10% bump over 2022 mark is far more than then 4% proposed by Biden.
- Eric Katz
Policy
House Moves to Avoid a Friday Shutdown, But Hurdles Remain in the Senate
Lawmakers are looking to create enough time to pass a full-year funding measure.
- Eric Katz
Policy
Congress Prepares One-Week CR as Lawmakers Work Toward Full-Year Funding Deal
The continuing resolution would push off a government shutdown from Friday night to Dec. 23.
- Eric Katz
Policy
VA to Offer Abortions in Limited Cases
In a policy reversal, the department will allowing its doctors to terminate pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or that threaten the mother's life.
- Eric Katz
Policy
VA Is 'Closely Watching' the Fate of Abortion Access as It Weighs Offering the Service
The leader of the largest hospital network in the country says he has the authority to change the department's policy.
- Eric Katz
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