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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 to Vote on Immediately Paying Feds Working During Shutdown as Funding Deal Remains Elusive

Twenty days into the shutdown, Senate leaders moved to consider a bill to pay “excepted” federal employees on time while agencies remain unfunded. Sponsors argue on-time pay would relieve pressure on critical operations; key Democrats warn the bill could give the White House too much discretion over who gets paid and prefer reopening government. House prospects are uncertain even if the measure clears the Senate. For federal employees, this means excepted staff would see normal paychecks only if the bill passes both chambers and is signed; until then, plan for delayed pay even if you are working. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

Check your written status (excepted, furloughed, or funded by carryover) and keep copies of time-and-attendance records. Don’t rely on verbal assurances; follow official agency and payroll notices. If missed pay creates hardship, contact creditors and landlords in writing about short-term accommodations, and review your state unemployment rules if furloughed. If you receive conflicting directives about your pay or work status, escalate in writing and consider speaking with counsel.

2. House Democrats Want Answers on CISA Reassignments to Border Security, Immigration Roles

A group of House Democrats asked DHS to explain layoffs and management-directed reassignments of CISA staff during the shutdown, arguing the moves may violate the Antideficiency Act. The letter cites recent nation-state cyber threats and questions shifting cyber personnel to ICE, CBP and FPS, as well as terminations in CISA’s Stakeholder Engagement and Infrastructure divisions. Lawmakers requested workforce counts, impact assessments and mitigation plans. For federal employees, this means affected DHS/CISA staff should expect oversight inquiries and should document the terms of any reassignment or separation. Nextgov

Legal Insight: 

If you receive a notice, confirm in writing whether it’s a RIF, adverse action, or management-directed reassignment; rights and deadlines differ. Ask for your retention data if it’s a RIF, and request written details (duties, grade, pay, location, relocation benefits) for any reassignment. Keep all emails and notices; short timelines are common. If you suspect policy or legal violations, talk with your union and consider consulting counsel promptly.

3. Interior Department Reveals Plans to Lay Off More than 2,000 Employees

Interior’s court filing detailed a plan to abolish roughly 2,050 positions across 89 competitive areas, including headquarters/IBC, BLM, USGS, NPS, FWS and others. The department says planning began months ago and is not driven by the shutdown; however, a federal court’s temporary restraining order currently bars RIF actions for many bargaining-unit employees. The filing breaks down projected cuts and notes additional positions outside the TRO’s scope could still be affected. For federal employees, this means some Interior staff have looming RIF exposure once the court order changes, and all affected employees should verify their retention standing and timelines. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:  

Read any RIF notice carefully and ask HR for your retention register data (tenure, veterans’ preference, and ratings); errors can change outcomes. Track effective dates and options such as bump/retreat, priority placement, and potential severance. The TRO pauses some actions, but deadlines can restart quickly—keep all documents and communicate in writing. If you believe procedures weren’t followed or targeting is unlawful, seek union help and consider speaking with counsel.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

The “Mindful Listening” Challenge   

For your next important conversation, set a powerful intention to listen fully, without distractions or internal dialogue. Quiet the urge to formulate your next point or check notifications. Instead, immerse yourself in active listening—fully hearing, processing, and acknowledging the speaker’s message. Notice how true listening builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters deeper professional connections.