Brought to you by Southworth PC—Attorneys for Federal Employees

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 GOP Unveils 7-Week Stopgap; Democrats Say it Heightens Shutdown Risk

House Republicans released a continuing resolution to fund agencies through November 21, calling it a “clean” bill while adding targeted items like $30 million for lawmaker security. Democratic appropriators said the move undercuts bipartisan talks and warned they will oppose a stopgap that omits their health-care priorities. With current funding expiring September 30, the measure would buy time to reconcile fiscal 2026 bills but faces uncertain Senate prospects. For federal employees, this means agencies will keep preparing contingency plans; if a lapse occurs, expect excepted/non-excepted designations and written furlough or recall notices. Government Executive

Legal Insight: 

Do not work off the clock during any lapse; wait for written direction. Keep copies of any furlough or recall notice and follow timekeeping instructions exactly. Remember that back pay after a shutdown is guaranteed by statute, but delays can strain cash flow—document any missed pay for later reconciliation. Seek counsel or union help immediately if you receive conflicting instructions about duty status or are told to perform work without proper authorization.

2. OPM Finalizes SES Rule to Cap Top Ratings and Remove DEI Criteria

The Office of Personnel Management finalized changes to Senior Executive Service (SES) appraisals, permitting forced distribution and removing diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria from ratings. OPM’s earlier guidance instructs agencies to limit Level-4 and Level-5 ratings to no more than 30% of SES members, with potential presidential waivers; noncareer SES may be exempt from preset limits. Officials say the change addresses inflated ratings (about 96% at Levels 4–5 in 2023) and aims to sharpen distinctions. For employees, this means SES executives and HR offices will update plans and Performance Review Board processes ahead of the new cycle. Government Executive

Legal Insight:  

If you’re SES, get your updated plan in writing and track accomplishments against each critical element. Ask for mid-year feedback and document it; timely evidence matters if you request reconsideration. Ratings can affect bonuses and pay adjustments; learn your agency’s appeal/review windows now. Contact counsel if you suspect a rating was applied inconsistently, retaliatorily, or in a way that conflicts with OPM’s written guidance.

3. House Stopgap Would Temporarily Extend Two Key Cybersecurity Laws to Nov. 21

The draft continuing resolution unveiled Tuesday would push back the September 30 sunset of the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program until November 21. Lawmakers said the short extension buys time to reconcile House–Senate differences on longer renewals, including debates over liability protections for threat-intelligence sharing. Floor timing remains fluid as party leaders spar over broader spending issues. For federal employees, particularly in IT and security roles, operations tied to indicator-sharing and intergovernmental cyber support would continue under current authorities for at least two more months. Nextgov

Legal Insight:

Keep using approved channels and agreements for any external data sharing; do not transmit operational data outside authorized systems without written approval. Document legal bases (MOUs, ISAC/ISAO terms) for sharing, and route novel requests through counsel or your privacy office. If Congress narrows safe-harbor provisions later, your obligations could change quickly—monitor agency advisories and pause non-essential external sharing if direction is unclear. Seek legal guidance if you are instructed to share data in a way that conflicts with policy or statute.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Coffee Stirring Reset 

While stirring your coffee or tea, match the motion to a slow inhale and exhale. Notice the swirl, the change in color, and the warmth in your hand. This anchors you in sensory experience and gives your nervous system a micro-dose of calm. You’ll return to your desk more grounded for the next task.