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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. Senate Moves Shutdown-Ending Deal that Would Ensure Backpay and Unwind Some Federal Layoffs

The Senate advanced a bipartisan package to end the 40-day shutdown by fully funding some agencies and extending the rest under a CR into late January. The bill would unwind thousands of shutdown-related RIFs and explicitly ensure back pay for furloughed workers, while guaranteeing retroactive pay for those who worked. Further votes are still required and House action remains to be seen. For federal employees, this means back pay and reversal of shutdown RIFs are likely if the package becomes law—watch for final passage and agency recall instructions. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

Until a bill is signed, your current status and deadlines still apply. Keep copies of all furlough/excepted notices and time records for pay reconciliation. If recalled, follow written reporting and timekeeping codes precisely. If your component issued a RIF notice, ask— in writing—whether timelines are tolled or rescinded once a law passes, and consider speaking with counsel where rights or deadlines are unclear.

2. SSA Chief Bisignano Faces Probe from Wyden and Warren Over Fiserv Stock and Federal Contract Concerns

Two senior senators launched an oversight inquiry into Social Security Commissioner (and IRS CEO) Frank Bisignano’s past leadership at Fiserv and the firm’s recent win tied to Treasury’s Direct Express program. Their letter flags his tax-advantaged divestiture upon taking office and asks whether projections and corporate decisions under his tenure misled investors. It also seeks details on any contacts between Fiserv and administration officials and on potential conflicts involving federal contracts. For federal employees, this means expect heightened ethics and recusal scrutiny around SSA/IRS leadership and possible internal guidance on conflicts and procurement safeguards. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

Federal ethics laws (e.g., conflict-of-interest rules) require leaders and employees to avoid participating in matters affecting covered financial interests; divestiture and recusal obligations are handled through your agency ethics office. If you receive directions that could raise an appearance issue, ask for instructions in writing and request an ethics consult. Document any recusals or screening arrangements. If you believe you’re being pressured to violate ethics rules or you face retaliation for raising concerns, consider contacting your union or seeking counsel promptly.

3. Social Security Considers Pausing More Work, as Shutdown Takes a Toll on Employees

SSA leaders told managers the agency may halt additional in-person services (like replacement Social Security cards) as excepted employees struggle to afford commuting without pay. Managers reported some staff are requesting furloughs to take secondary jobs or cut expenses, and a new scheduling system rollout is being delayed. SSA said it continues serving the public but acknowledged strain as offices face intermittent closures. For federal employees, this means SSA staff should expect possible workload pauses, office disruptions, and continued pay uncertainty—keep instructions and any schedule changes in writing. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:  

If you need time off or episodic telework, request it in writing and save approvals/denials; if you’re excepted, log every hour worked. Do not perform government work while furloughed unless you receive a written recall. If leadership changes your status or duties, ask for updated written guidance and timekeeping codes. Where safety, commuting costs, or leave disputes arise, involve your union and consider speaking with counsel due to short deadlines.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Sensory Corridor Walk 

Between conference rooms—or simply between desk and coffee machine—choose one sense to foreground. If it’s hearing, notice layers: the hum of HVAC, distant printers, your own footsteps. By allowing attention to stay tethered to raw sensory data, you train the mind to drop speculative story-lines (“Will IT ever fix that ticket?”). Heart-rate-variability studies link these 30-second sensory immersions to quicker recovery from adrenaline spikes, giving you a physiological cushion when the next sudden deadline lands.