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Top Three News Stories:

1. VA Workforce-Cut Talks Shrouded by NDAs

Government Executive reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs is requiring SES, GS-14 and GS-15 officials who are planning the agency’s 80,000-position downsizing to sign non-disclosure agreements.  Career leaders say the NDAs bar them from answering basic staff questions—such as how many employees have already opted for VA’s “deferred resignation” program—while lawmakers warn the secrecy may chill whistle-blowers.  The reorganization plan, now in internal review, aims to bring staffing back to FY 2019 levels, with RIFs targeted for completion by September.  Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) has urged employees to come forward if the NDAs obstruct lawful oversight.  Government Executive

NDAs that muzzle employees from disclosing potential waste, fraud or legal violations clash with 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8) whistle-blower protections and the Lloyd-La Follette Act’s guarantee of free communication with Congress.  Any employee asked to sign one should (1) keep a copy, (2) consult counsel before discussing internal matters, and (3) document retaliatory threats.  If the VA proceeds to a RIF, employees retain MSPB appeal rights to challenge flawed retention registers or retaliatory selections—NDAs do not waive those statutory remedies.

2. CISA Offers Deferred-Resignation Deals to Reinstated Probationers

After litigation forced the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to reinstate about 130 probationary employees it had fired in February, CISA is now extending DHS’s “Workforce Transition Program” to those staffers.  According to an agency e-mail reviewed by Federal News Network, eligible employees have until April 28 to choose a deferred resignation date, a VSIP buy-out, or early retirement.  The same options closed for most DHS components on April 14, leaving reinstated cyber staff in limbo until this week.  Affected employees say the offer brings relief but also pressure to exit federal service amid broader workforce cuts.  Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

A deferred-resignation agreement is voluntary; employees should weigh buy-out amounts against entitlement to severance, unemployment benefits, and future reinstatement eligibility.  Because these workers were previously removed without due process, any “voluntary” separation obtained under perceived duress could later be challenged as involuntary.  Document all communications and seek individualized advice before signing—especially if you have an outstanding EEO or OSC retaliation claim.

3. Draft FEMA Memo Would Deploy Almost All Staff Each Year

Reuters obtained an April-dated draft memo from acting FEMA chief Cam Hamilton that would require nearly every permanent FEMA employee—including headquarters administrators—to deploy to disaster zones for 45–90 days annually.  About 2,000 staff have already left FEMA since 2021, and experts warn mandatory rotations could accelerate attrition and weaken institutional capacity.  The plan aligns with White House proposals to shift disaster-preparedness duties to states and even consider shuttering FEMA.  Critics say the policy could strain remaining employees and leave communities under-served during major events.  Reuters

Legal Insight:

Mindful Moment of the Day: