The FED Weekly

This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of February 8-14, 2026. Key topics include the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, which left essential staff unpaid and sparked a major union lawsuit. The episode also reports on the end of a ban on federal workforce reductions, a proposed overhaul of the reduction-in-force appeals process, and new guidance for reclassifying high-level positions as “at-will.” Legislative updates include the introduction of the FAIR Act for a 4.1% 2027 pay raise and the ongoing implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which is increasing payments for millions of retirees. Other highlights feature new tax rules for 2026, a spike in health insurance premiums, new retirement system efficiencies, workforce modernization initiatives, and the observance of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week.

(00:00) - Welcome to The FED Weekly (Feb 8–14, 2026)
(00:48) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(03:17) - RIF Moratorium Ends + OPM Plan to Centralize Layoff Appeals
(05:06) - Schedule Policy/Career: 50,000 Roles Shift Toward ‘At‑Will’
(06:13) - FAIR Act Introduced: Proposed 4.1% Federal Pay Raise for 2027
(07:03) - Federal Workforce Caucus + National Salute to Veteran Patients Week
(08:39) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(10:05) - COLA vs. Medicare Part B Hike + OPM Retirement Processing Speeds Up
(11:53) - SSA Staffing Shortages, New 2026 Tax Changes, and SSI Payment Shift
(14:06) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(15:22) - Tech Force Recruiting, TSP Roth Conversion Tool, and Retirement Expansion Bill
(17:35) - Court Ruling for Senior Execs + FEHB/PSHB Coverage & Premium Updates
(19:42) - Wrap-Up, Subscribe, and Next Week’s Outlook

The FED Weekly 8-14 Feb 2026 (Episode 37)