OPM defends rule to hamper Schedule F’s return, backs telework amid return to office push

The Office of Personnel Management is defending a recently finalized rule meant to prevent the return of Schedule F — a Trump-era policy that made it easier to fire career federal employees in policymaking positions. OPM’s acting director told the House Oversight and Accountability Committee that the re-emergence of such a policy would undermine civil service protections, and return the federal workforce to a 19th-century “spoils system” with major turnover. Acting OPM Director Rob Shriver told lawmakers on Wednesday that the return of Schedule F would have a “chilling effect”…

Read More...

WH COVID-19 team appoints testing czar, explores mask upgrades as it defends virus response

The Biden administration said Wednesday it has appointed a new COVID-19 testing coordinator and is considering ways to procure better-performing masks as President Biden scrambles to catch up with the omicron wave and meet demand for diagnostics and other safeguards in schools, workplaces and households. White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff … The Washington Times stories: White House

Read More...

WH defends OSHA vaccinate-or-test mandate after Senate disapproval vote

The White House on Thursday defended a heavily litigated regulation that would force workers at large companies to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested for the virus and said President Biden will veto a disapproval resolution if it makes it to his desk. The Senate voted 52-48 late Wednesday to … The Washington Times stories: White House

Read More...