Federal News Network

NDA proposal draws concerns of ‘chilling effect’ on federal employees

by PEER | June 16, 2026
The “extraordinarily broad” NDA proposal would unlawfully conflict with whistleblower protections and other legal avenues for federal employees to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, PEER said. The organization is urging OPM to fully withdraw the proposal. Tim Whitehouse, ...

Reorganization plans can look clean on paper and turn out far messier in real life

by PEER | May 18, 2026
A year ago, the Interior Department pitched a sweeping reorganization as a way to save money and streamline operations. We look at what the evidence actually shows about how that played out. “They’re moving things around on paper without recognizing the effects that may have in ...

EPA producing less scientific research after 20% staffing cut, data shows

by PEER | May 7, 2026
Scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency are producing fewer peer-reviewed studies following recent staffing cuts, according to data released from an environmental nonprofit group. Figures released by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility show the EPA produced 275 peer ...

What happens to career expertise when agency leaders choose another path?

by PEER | May 4, 2026
This is now being challenged, at least before the Merit Systems Protection Board, the group of EPA employees who were fired after they signed the letter, ended up taking their case — they’re being represented by a few law firms, as well as Public Employees for Environmental ...

Lawsuit contends Schedule Policy/Career exceeds presidential authority

by PEER | March 4, 2026
The revised lawsuit expands on previous legal actions from the nonprofit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, along with the American Federation of Government Employees, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the American Federation of Labor and ...