The FED Weekly

The conversation focused on major policy updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 11–17, 2026. One concept discussed was the impact of a 29% staffing cut at HUD, with concerns over lost expertise and service delays. A key theme that emerged was OPM’s launch of a new government-wide recruitment strategy targeting more early-career hires and coordination across agencies. The discussion explored a redesign of the federal pay table website and updates on retirement benefits, with the official 2027 COLA set at 3.6% for CSRS and Social Security and 2.6% for most FERS retirees, highlighting differences in eligibility and deductions. Several points were raised, including a federal court order blocking significant USDA relocations, elimination of the 52-week time-in-grade promotion rule, and new regulatory language around administrative leave and workforce restructuring. The article also highlighted disputes at the VA over the expiration of a major union contract. Additional coverage included targeted recruitment to fight government fraud and a report on pressure facing federal HR specialists managing numerous reforms amid staff shortages. The broader landscape is marked by ongoing legislative, legal, and administrative changes with direct effects on careers and benefits.