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Top Three News Stories:
1. IRS Plans to Cut Up to 40% of Workforce Post-Tax Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to reduce its workforce by up to 40%, aiming to decrease staff from approximately 102,000 to between 60,000 and 70,000 employees. This reduction follows a combination of deferred resignation buyouts, layoffs, and attrition. Notices for reductions in force (RIFs) are beginning to roll out, with taxpayer services and compliance areas expected to be significantly affected. The timing coincides with the end of the 2025 tax filing season, raising concerns about potential impacts on tax revenue collection and processing efficiency. Politico
Legal Insight:
While federal agencies have the authority to implement RIFs, they must adhere to regulations that ensure fair treatment of employees, including proper notice periods and consideration of tenure and performance. The scale and speed of these reductions could lead to legal challenges if procedures are not meticulously followed. Additionally, significant cuts in compliance and enforcement divisions may hinder the IRS’s ability to fulfill its statutory obligations, potentially inviting scrutiny from oversight bodies.
2. Biden Criticizes SSA Staff Cuts Amid Service Disruptions
Former President Joe Biden publicly criticized the Trump administration’s significant staffing and operational cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Speaking to disability advocates, Biden condemned the reduction of over 7,000 SSA staff and the closure of offices, arguing that these actions undermine the agency’s ability to serve beneficiaries effectively. The SSA responded by defending the cuts, asserting that they are necessary for efficiency and do not compromise service delivery. Reuters
Legal Insight:
The SSA is mandated by law to provide timely and accessible services to beneficiaries. Significant staff reductions and office closures could impede the agency’s capacity to meet these obligations, potentially violating statutory requirements. If beneficiaries experience delays or denials of service due to these cuts, it could lead to legal challenges alleging failure to fulfill the agency’s duties under the Social Security Act.
3. Justice Department Restricts Employees’ Social Media Activity
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has implemented a new policy prohibiting employees from posting content related to their government work on social media platforms. The directive aims to prevent politically charged activity and maintain the department’s impartiality. Employees are barred from using official titles online, sharing government press releases, or making statements that could impact judicial proceedings. Reuters
Legal Insight:
While the DOJ has a vested interest in preserving its neutrality and the integrity of legal processes, restrictions on employees’ speech must be balanced against First Amendment rights. Policies that are overly broad or vague may be subject to legal challenges, especially if they infringe upon employees’ rights to free expression outside of official duties. Clear guidelines and consistent enforcement are essential to ensure that such policies withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Mindful Moment of the Day:
The “Hold Line Grounding” Technique
While on hold or waiting in a virtual lobby, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe deeply and feel your body rise and fall. Instead of viewing delays as wasted time, turn them into moments of nervous system reset.
Legal Tip of the Day:
Challenging Wrongful Termination
Federal employees are not “at-will.” You have legal protections rooted in due process, nondiscrimination laws, and merit system principles. If you believe your removal was retaliatory, discriminatory, or procedurally flawed, don’t delay—file with the MSPB, EEOC, or OSC depending on your claim. Preserve documentation like performance reviews, emails, and proposed action notices. An attorney can help you choose the best legal path and potentially reinstate your position or recover damages.
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Social Media Recap:
Hey Federal Employees! Our newest insights—fresh from social media—are now live on the blog. Check out today’s timely updates and practical tips to confidently navigate your federal employment challenges. Here's what's new:
Protecting Your Federal Career Amid Budget Cuts
Whistleblower Rights: What to Do If Things Changed After You Spoke Up
A Website that Tracked Tax Dollars Vanished: Why This Matters to Feds
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