The FED Weekly

The conversation focused on the latest developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of July 12-18, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the introduction of the bipartisan PROMISE Act, designed to force Congress to address long-term Social Security solvency, with the 2026 Trustees Report forecasting potential benefit cuts by late 2032 if lawmakers fail to act. Several points were raised, including rising cost-of-living adjustments, changes to federal healthcare plans—such as increased premiums and prescription costs—and the controversial restriction on coverage for gender-affirming care, which has prompted legal challenges. The discussion explored the financial vulnerability of USPHS and NOAA retirees during government shutdowns, recent educational resources for navigating federal retirement, and a landmark arbitration decision restoring telework rights for Forest Service employees after unilateral cancellations tied to a presidential directive. Operational modernization efforts, leadership hearings, and agency reorganizations—including GSA cost-cutting initiatives and Space Development Agency launches—were also covered. The episode emphasized the shifting landscape for the federal workforce and the ongoing importance of staying informed.

(00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - PROMISE Act Explained
(04:12) - COLA Tracking Update
(05:33) - FEHB Plan Changes
(07:51) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(07:54) - Shutdown Pay Lawsuit
(09:44) - Retirement Planning Webinars
(11:03) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(11:06) - Telework Arbitration Win
(13:59) - Modernization and Leadership

The FED Weekly 12-18 Jul 2026 (Episode 59)