The FED Weekly

The conversation focused on key legislative, regulatory, and operational developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 17–23, 2026. Several points were raised, including congressional efforts to address tax burdens associated with retroactive lump-sum payments and proposals to reform Social Security taxation. The discussion explored ongoing debates about pension taxation, cost-of-living adjustments, and complex rules governing Thrift Savings Plan contributions. A key theme that emerged was the contrast between legislative efforts to secure pay raises and the President’s FY 2027 budget, which proposes a pay freeze and significant agency cuts. The conversation highlighted new protections for whistleblowers, union endorsements in election campaigns, and federal building modernization efforts. Issues affecting retirees, such as COLA disparities, healthcare plan suspensions, and the transition to digital retirement platforms, were also covered. Workforce matters included telework policy battles, workplace technology upgrades, increased employee surveillance, and regulatory shifts in reduction-in-force procedures. The week concluded with a reversal of FEMA staffing cuts and legal proceedings related to government misconduct.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - Tax Relief for Back Pay
(02:57) - Pension and TSP Tax Basics
(05:18) - Webinars and Aid Resources
(06:53) - Whistleblower Bill Update
(08:11) - Union Endorsements Push
(11:35) - Federal Buildings and Public Works
(12:46) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(12:53) - Retiree COLA Gap
(15:05) - FEHB vs Medicare Advantage
(15:58) - Benefits Platforms Go Digital
(16:47) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(16:54) - 2027 Pay Raise Fight
(19:23) - RIF Rules and Real Impacts
(23:47) - Telework Return-to-Office Clash
(25:50) - Tech Hiring and Surveillance
(28:30) - House Bills for Workers
(30:20) - FEMA Reversal and Fraud Case
(31:33) - Wrap Up and Next Week

The FED Weekly 17-23 May 2026 (Episode 51)