The Senate is moving closer to finalizing the GOP’s reconciliation bill. And a few provisions affecting federal employees remain on the table. One proposal that was partially struck down would have made new federal hires choose between at-will employment and a 10% increase in retirement contributions. But even after a decision from the Senate parliamentarian, the provision could still include a 5% across-the-board retirement contribution increase. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is urging lawmakers to remove the remaining federal workforce proposals, which it says will negatively impact employees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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5:43
Bipartisan bill to revise rules for federal workers compensation advances out of committee
A bipartisan bill to revise the rules for federal workers’ compensation cases unanimously advanced out of a House committee this week. The legislation would revise the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act to allow physician assistants and nurse practitioners to treat feds in workers’ compensation cases. A previous version of the bill passed the House in 2022, but did not clear the Senate. Co-sponsors of the bill say they’re hopeful it will pass both chambers this Congress. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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5:31
House and Senate look to eliminate IRS’s Direct File in reconciliation bill
Both House and Senate lawmakers are looking to eliminate the IRS’ free online tax filing platform. The Senate Finance Committee is proposing to axe Direct File as part of its contribution to the budget reconciliation bill. The House passed its version of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill last month which would also eliminate the Direct File program. Direct File had nearly 300,000 users during this year’s tax filing season and saw higher favorability scores compared to last year’s pilot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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7:26
Lawmakers sound alarm over reports of 'mega-database' of sensitive government records
Congressional Democrats are sounding the alarm over reports that a federal contractor is helping the Trump administration build a “mega-database” of sensitive government records. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are leading their colleagues in a letter to the company Palantir. The New York Times reports the company is building a single, searchable database of taxpayer records across multiple agencies. The lawmakers are asking for a full list of Palantir’s federal contracts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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6:28
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6:28
Postal Service strikes deal with another of its unions
The Postal Service strikes a deal with another one of its unions. Members of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association approved a tentative contract that lasts through 2027. About 67% of voting members approved the tentative agreement. Next up, the American Postal Workers Union which votes whether to approve its contract or not next month. Members of another union, the National Association of Letter Carriers voted against a tentative agreement with USPS in January. A third-party arbitrator eventually struck a deal with both parties.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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