House passes bill to fund federal agencies through September, though prospects unclear in Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed legislation Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September, providing critical momentum as the measure now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed to get it over the finish line. Republicans needed overwhelming support from their members to pass the funding measure, and they got it in the 217-213 House vote. Just one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the measure. And just one Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voted for it.…

Read More...

Republicans in Congress propose bill to fast track Trump plans

Two Republican lawmakers want to make any governmentwide reorganization plan an up or down vote by Congress. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) and Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) Reorganizing Government Act of 2025 would fast-track any plan President Donald Trump submitted to Congress. Lawmakers said the bill would help give the president the authority to streamline government operations to better serve the American people. Comer and Lee said this legislation restores a reorganization authority that was last in effect in 1984, aiming to modernize and improve government efficiency. (Bill would restore President’s…

Read More...

Why Park Police back a bill to modernize the Park Police

Promotions and other career advancements would come faster for members of the U.S. Park Police under a bill in Congress. The U.S. Park Police Modernization Act was introduced in October. It would bring Park Service personnel practices in line with those of other federal law enforcement agencies. One group supporting this legislation: The National Police Association. Spokesman Betsy Brantner Smith joined the Federal Drive with Tom Temin. Interview transcript: Tom Temin And this bill, is it primarily about personnel practices at the park police or does it go beyond that?…

Read More...

Sen. Ernst bill would monitor federal employee computer use

Republican lawmakers are taking aim at where federal employees work, how well they work and what it takes to fire them. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) introduced or plan to introduce several bills that would impact federal employees in multiple ways. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced two bills focused on federal workers and telework. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Ernst, the chairwoman of the Senate’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caucus, would move at least 30% of all employees at the Small Business Administration out of Washington,…

Read More...

Compromise defense bill to give 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops

The House and Senate Armed Services committees’ compromise defense policy bill released late Saturday night could give junior enlisted service members a 14.5% pay raise next year — a historic pay bump for troops in the ranks of E-1 through E-4.  Under the 2025 defense policy bill, all service members will get a 4.5% pay raise, which will take effect at the beginning of the year. Junior enlisted troops will receive an additional 10% pay bump, which will start in April, according to the legislation. The 14.5% pay raise is…

Read More...