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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. House Democrats Launch Probe Into Government-Shutdown Layoff Plans

Twenty House Oversight Democrats sent letters to 24 CFO-Act agencies demanding documents about any plans to conduct reductions in force (RIFs) during the current shutdown. The letters argue that RIFs during a lapse would violate the Antideficiency Act by obligating future severance payments without appropriations and note OPM’s RIF regulations require 60 days’ written notice. Lawmakers also flagged OMB direction to prepare shutdown-contingent RIFs and questioned whether agencies are complying with statutory and regulatory employee protections. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

A shutdown does not create special authority to bypass RIF procedures; agencies still must follow 5 C.F.R. part 351 (notice, retention registers, bump/retreat, etc.). Keep copies of any communications about prospective RIFs and request written designation of status and funding authority. If you receive a RIF notice issued during the lapse, calendar the appeal/response timelines and speak with your union or an attorney promptly; there may be Antideficiency Act and procedural defenses. When in doubt, seek counsel before signing separation agreements or waivers.

2. Union Lawsuit: Education Department “Co-Opted the Voices” of Employees in Shutdown Blame Game

AFGE filed suit alleging the Education Department changed furloughed workers’ out-of-office replies to insert partisan language blaming Senate Democrats for the shutdown. The complaint argues this compelled political speech violates employees’ First Amendment rights and runs counter to non-partisan civil service norms. The filing cites reports of coordinated partisan messaging across multiple agencies. Government Executive

Legal Insight: 

If an agency alters your communications to include political content, preserve screenshots and headers and report it in writing to your DAEO/ethics office. Do not replicate or amplify partisan language from official systems unless given a lawful directive vetted by ethics; ask for the legal basis in writing. Potential claims may involve the Hatch Act, compelled-speech principles, and misuse of government resources—consult counsel before taking public action to avoid retaliation risks. Union representation can help coordinate OSC or court relief.

3. Bisignano to Lead IRS in Addition to SSA Duties, Raising Questions About Senate Confirmation

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent named Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano to a newly created CEO role at the IRS, overseeing day-to-day operations while he remains SSA chief. Analysts and advocates questioned whether the move skirts Senate confirmation and warned about privacy and governance risks if SSA and IRS data sharing expands. Treasury framed the dual-hat role as a way to drive “efficiency” and customer service. Nextgov

Legal Insight:  

Leadership appointments can shift policy quickly, but changes to your working conditions (e.g., performance metrics, telework, or data-handling rules) typically require written policy, bargaining where applicable, or notice under labor statutes. Until you receive official instructions, continue following existing policies and training on taxpayer/beneficiary data. If directives appear to conflict with the Privacy Act, IRC §6103, or agency policy, request clarification in writing and escalate to privacy counsel or your union before proceeding.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Badge-In Morning Intention 

As you swipe in or log on remotely, inhale to “serve,” exhale to “steady.” This micro-intention sets the day’s tone before tasks flood in. It reminds you that the purpose behind your work is bigger than the day’s stressors. Over time, it strengthens resilience against shifting agency climates.