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Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.
Top Three News Stories:
1. Trump Seeks to Rebuild IRS Customer-Service Staff—House GOP Resists the Price Tag
The White House asked Congress for emergency funding to rehire thousands of Internal Revenue Service customer-service reps it previously let go, arguing that call-wait times have doubled during this filing season. House Republicans countered that the agency should first redirect existing enforcement dollars and streamline walk-in centers before restoring headcount. IRS leaders testified that chronic vacancies are eroding voluntary compliance and jeopardizing a planned overhaul of the paper-return intake system. Government Executive
Legal Insight:
Staffing levels at IRS ultimately hinge on congressional appropriations; a supplemental cannot bypass that. If Congress does fund rehiring, positions will likely be posted as competitive career appointments, meaning veterans’ preference and priority-placement registrants get first looks.
2. Data Show Which State Department Bureaus Took the Deepest RIF Hits
Internal tallies reveal the Bureau of Global Talent Management lost more than 150 positions in the July 11 reduction-in-force, while Consular Affairs and Overseas Buildings Operations each shed about 100. A handful of passport-processing staff were mistakenly terminated and quickly reinstated, highlighting rushed execution. Officials insist frontline diplomatic and passport services remain intact, but former leaders warn the cuts will hamper human-rights and security work. Federal News Network
Legal Insight:
Employees who received erroneous RIF notices should obtain corrected SF-50s and written confirmation of service credit to avoid retirement or leave-accrual gaps. For those still facing separation, 5 C.F.R. Part 351 guarantees usually 60-day notice, retention-register review and potential bump-or-retreat rights; ask for your retention standing in writing. Unions may request the agency’s RIF worksheets to verify that veterans’ preference and performance ratings were applied correctly.
3. Bill Expanding Access to Non-VA Community Health Care Clears House VA Committee
The Veterans’ ACCESS Act would ease eligibility rules for veterans seeking private-sector care and create an online self-scheduling portal. Supporters say the change addresses appointment backlogs, while critics warn it could drain resources from VA facilities. The measure now heads to the full House; a parallel Senate package is in draft. Federal News Network
Legal Insight:
Nothing changes for patients until the bill clears both chambers and VA issues implementing guidance. If enacted, eligibility determinations will likely track current Community Care criteria (drive-time, wait-time, clinical need) but with broader discretion. Employees in VA scheduling and claims-processing units should watch for reclassification of duties; major workflow shifts can trigger competitive-level reviews and, in some cases, RIF procedures.
Mindful Moment of the Day:
Lunch-Hour Digital Sabbath
Midday is when blood glucose and inbox volume both crash, tempting you to scroll headlines with one hand while fork-lifting salad with the other. Instead, close every screen, set a 15-minute timer, and treat lunch as a single-task meditation—notice textures, flavors, even ambient cafeteria sounds. Research from the Uniformed Services University shows that screen-free meals deliver a 38 % drop in post-lunch lethargy by allowing the vagus nerve to direct full resources to digestion and parasympathetic reset. You’ll walk back to the workstation with steadier glucose, sharper working memory, and a calmer tone for that 1 p.m. stakeholder call—proving productivity sometimes begins by powering down.
Legal Tip of the Day:
Understanding Fitness‑for‑Duty Exams
An agency may order a fitness‑for‑duty exam only when it has a reasonable belief, based on objective evidence, that a medical condition impairs your job performance or safety. You have the right to see the medical basis for the referral and to provide your own physician’s input. Exams must be limited in scope to job‑related functions. Overbroad inquiries can violate privacy statutes and be grist for a grievance or EEO claim.
Important Announcement: New RIF Appeal Resources Now Available
Before we dive into today's briefing, we want to quickly highlight new resources we've created specifically for federal employees facing Reduction-in-Force (RIF) actions. Given the challenging situation many federal workers now face, we've developed three tailored options to help you successfully appeal your RIF before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB):
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DIY Online Course (Bronze Level): Step-by-step video modules, proven templates, and strategic guidance to help you confidently file your own MSPB appeal. $199.
👉 Reserve Your Spot (No Payment Required Today) -
DIY Course + One-on-One Strategy Sessions (Silver Level): After enrolling in the DIY course, schedule private strategy sessions ($350/hour, up to three sessions) to personalize the course materials to your specific case.
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Full Attorney Representation (Gold Level): Professional legal advocacy for high-stakes RIF cases, beginning with a confidential consultation ($350) to outline your strongest arguments and next steps. Retainers start at $5,000.
👉 Schedule Your RIF Strategy Consult
We designed these solutions to empower you—regardless of your budget or your case's complexity. Take action today to protect your federal career and future.
In Case You Missed It:
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Deep-Dive Courses for When the Stakes Are Personal
Navigating Reasonable Accommodations: Maximize Telework
$199 USD
Request accommodations confidently with step-by-step videos, professional templates, and mindfulness tools.
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Federal Employee RIF Masterclass: Protect Your Future
$199 USD
Secure your career during a Reduction in Force (RIF) with clear video lessons, actionable checklists, and stress-management techniques.
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Need Personalized Advice?
A federal job moves fast—and so do the deadlines to fight discrimination, retaliation, potential discipline, or a removal. If you are interested in seeing if we can help you, one short, confidential call with Southworth PC might be able to help. The consultation is free, you speak with an attorney (not a screener), and our hybrid-retainer model caps your up-front costs until we win or settle.
We litigate before the EEOC, MSPB, and OSC nationwide, drawing on decades of inside knowledge of agency tactics. Protect your rights before the next deadline closes.
👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Southworth PC provides these insights to help federal employees better understand their rights and navigate workplace developments, but every situation is unique. If you are facing a specific employment issue, you should consult a qualified attorney to discuss the facts of your case. While we aim to ensure the accuracy of legal interpretations at the time of publication, changes in law or policy may affect how the information applies to your circumstances. We’re proud to stand with federal employees—and we’re here when it matters most.
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