Attorneys for Federal Employees — Nationwide

Nearly 200,000 federal workers and supporters follow our updates across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing gives you the three stories that actually matter to your job, plain‑English legal guidance, and one short practice to protect your peace of mind. If it helps you, forward it to a colleague—new readers can subscribe at https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. 

Today at a Glance

• OPM Breach Protection: Identity monitoring tied to the 2015 OPM data breach is expiring for affected workers ten years after enrollment.
• Reserve Health Benefits: Guard and Reserve members sued DoD over a policy they say wrongly denies 180 days of transition health coverage.
• EPA Staffing: New data show EPA research output has fallen after a roughly 20% staffing cut and the breakup of its research office.

Top Stories:

1. OPM Breach Victims Lose Federal Identity Protection

Source: Government Executive, May 5, 2026

TL;DR: Identity theft protection services for people affected by the 2015 OPM breach are starting to expire. The services end ten years after each person enrolled. The breach exposed records for more than 22.1 million people, including current and former employees, clearance applicants, and family members. OPM said it reviewed an extension but decided the cost was too high.

For federal employees, this means:

• Save any MyIDCare or IDX notice you receive.
• Consider a free credit freeze or fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
• Watch for phishing emails that use the end of coverage to sell fake protection.

Legal Insight:
The Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a(e)(10), requires agencies to use safeguards for records about employees. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-1, gives consumers fraud-alert rights. If you see actual identity theft tied to federal records, keep proof of the loss and speak with counsel before deadlines or evidence disappear.

2. Reservists Challenge DoD Over Lost TAMP Coverage

Source: Federal News Network, May 5, 2026

TL;DR: A class action lawsuit says DoD is wrongly denying some Guard and Reserve members transition health coverage. The suit challenges a policy that ties TAMP eligibility to an internal DEERS coding entry. The plaintiffs say the statute does not require that code. They say the policy has cost otherwise eligible members 180 days of premium-free medical and dental coverage.

For federal employees, this means:

• Federal employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve should check their orders and DEERS status before active duty ends.
• If TRICARE or TAMP is denied, ask for the reason in writing.
• Keep copies of orders, activation notices, DEERS records, and health coverage letters.

Legal Insight:
TAMP is governed by 10 U.S.C. § 1145. The lawsuit also raises the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706, which lets courts set aside agency action that is unlawful or beyond agency authority. If a denial leaves you or your family without coverage, act quickly and consider legal advice.

3. EPA Research Drops After Staffing Cuts

Source: Federal News Network, May 6, 2026

TL;DR: EPA scientists produced 275 peer-reviewed studies in 2025, down about 17% from the prior year, according to data released by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. EPA’s headcount fell by about 3,000 employees between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026. The agency also dismantled its Office of Research and Development and created a smaller replacement office. EPA has also adopted an advance-notice policy for most public-facing research.

For federal employees, this means:

• EPA employees should keep written copies of reassignment, detail, and position-change notices.
• Scientists should follow agency clearance rules but document any delays or changes to research work.
• Union stewards should track whether staffing changes affect bargaining-unit work or trigger notice duties.

Legal Insight:
If EPA uses a formal RIF, retention rights are governed by 5 U.S.C. § 3502 and 5 C.F.R. Part 351. If an employee reports a danger to public health or safety, whistleblower protections may apply under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8). Employees facing reassignment, discipline, or retaliation should get advice before missing an appeal, grievance, or MSPB deadline.

Mindful Moment of the Day

Staying Present While You Brief the Big Wigs 

Presenting to SES, senior leadership, or a big interagency group can make even seasoned feds feel like brand‑new interns. Before you speak, feel your feet on the floor, take three slow breaths, and focus your eyes on one friendly face or neutral spot rather than scanning the whole room for danger. As you talk, let your attention rest on the meaning of your words, not on trying to read every expression. They may be higher on the org chart, but your nervous system will thank you for treating this like a conversation, not a verdict. 

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