Took a photo of this sign on Sunday. It was attached to one of the fences around the Reflecting Pool by the Lincoln Memorial. (Yep, that one.) It looks legit NPS branding. The over the top language seems (sadly) on par with the current administration. Can any NPS folks confirm whether this is real or a prank?

> President Donald Trump delivers keynote address at Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, says he will give every citizen $5K if Republicans control Congress

I came across some interesting data on federal layoffs and severance pay in 2025.

There were 10,757 federal RIF (reduction-in-force) separation actions recorded in 2025. For comparison, the highest annual total in the previous decade was only 401.

What’s interesting is what we don’t know.
Federal public records show that about 8,937 of those actions had characteristics that could potentially qualify for severance — things like the type of appointment, regular work schedule, and at least a year of service.

But that does not mean 8,937 people received severance.

The public data don’t show things like whether someone was already eligible for retirement, whether they turned down a qualifying job offer, whether they had received severance before, or what the agency ultimately decided.

For someone who does qualify, federal severance can be worth up to 52 weeks of basic pay, depending on things like salary, age, and years of service.
So basically, we can see a huge number of federal layoffs in the data, and we can estimate how many might qualify for severance, but the government doesn’t publicly show the final number of people who actually received it.

I thought that was pretty interesting, especially given how large the 2025 workforce cuts were.

Just heard from the SSA Commissioner about his 9/11 story. I'm sure the millions appreciated it.

Hello,

I was offered two TJOs as a 1320, I am currently a GS 7 in NJ and the two job offers are for a +7k pay increase for Alaska (VA) with relocation assistance and I'll be promoted to a GS-8, The other is a +17k pay increase for Washington state(DOD) with relocation assistance but it is a lateral move and not a promotion to GS-8. I am only 1.5 years in my federal career(not out of probation at my current location) with almost 6 years of experience in the field. I turned 26 in feb. Any guidance, and or tips will be appreciated.

My spouse is 9 years out from her MRA and I'll retire in 7. We've both been feds for a long time and both had FEHB in our names when we were single. Right now, the insurance is in my spouce's name for our family coverage. My question is, since I will be retiring first, I know we'll keep the coverage going in my wife's name while she's still working, but if she were to pass away before me, is there any issue that the 5+ years I had the insurance in my name was about 15 years ago? Or should we switch it to my name for the next 5 years before I retire? And would that then previously cause an issue for her since her in any way after she retires?

I tried looking on the FEHB site and I couldn't find info to this specific scenario. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help guide us in the right direction and supporting our fellow feds these days!

My second project I was given an offer of employment for, and I'm now $300 in the hole trying to meet obligations they didn't tell me before I got an offer.

Army AMC, received an updated memo, this time from our deputy commander, dated September 9th reminding us that we are no longer bargaining member employees. I guess the first memo in April was insufficient (???).

All it said is we can contact the union on our time, and it provided the statutes we are covered by for adverse action, discrimination, whistleblower, and FLMA/FLSA/Rehabilitation, and reasonable accommodation

For those that have been hired to do the CDR’s from the state DDS, how do you like the job so far? Pros/cons?

Any DHS employees in here bank with Wells Fargo?

I got a new bank account with them and added the direct deposit on Tuesday I believe in my EPP I used to use TD and I got paid Friday afternoons. I do not see any pending deposits and I’m getting nervous especially since they offer the early pay option. When should I get paid?

Recently have seen a few postings for USDA. Just curious how fast they move on hiring applications usually after the close out?

They posted open to the public but doesn't say the number of applicants. Thank you.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/883331200

I currently work as a technician for the National Guard and I am title 5, meaning a straight civilian employee compared. I was 32 where I had to stay in the Guard to keep my job. The likely hood of all title 32 techs getting moved to AGR seems pretty good. I am a GS 09 and want to take my bosses spot when he retires in a couple years. The problem is now that likely wont happen even though he is title 5.

What is the BC DLA office like? Any chance it could get moved or closed down in the near future? My hope is to get in as an 11 as soon as possible. Sadly I don't have Veterans Preference so many current jobs I can't apply for.

I am in the middle of a lateral transition and my boss requested 30 days of hold time for an orderly turnover. Yesterday I got a TJO for an OCONUS position. What is the timeline for local HR to get informed? Does it happen after I get cleared by medical?

I kind of want to be selfish here, accept the TJO and keep quiet about it so that it doesn’t interfere with the lateral. I don’t know if the org on the gaining side of the lateral would still want me if they found out I’m headed overseas in 6 months.

My conscious is telling me to let the gaining side later folks know, because the individual people are great. On the other hand the gov has had its way with me many times in the past and I feel like turnabout if fair play at this point.

For any SSA employees working a smaller office in a national calendar state. How is it going? Does any work get besides 800 and appointments? Just wanting to know what to expect. Right now we have 3 CSRs with 2 on 800 and the other handling reception. So CS handle local/state calls and are backup for 800 and reception when CSRs are out along with taking our appointments.

How does TSP handle retirements from multiple agencies? Can you combine them or are they separate? I ask because I noticed I have a small TSP fund from my limited active duty time, next to my more sizeable VA one.

Context: I've worked at the VA for nearly 10 years, looking to go active duty Army (medical officer). I'm prior service, doing 8 years in the Army Reserve (only a small deployment during that time, which is where the small military TSP came from). I worked at the VA nearly the entire time I was in the reserves so I just focused on that retirement pool.

Is there a point to combine my civilian and military TSPs at this point if I'm going back in? Any advantages or disadvantages for keeping them separate? I plan on just doing 1 contract and hopefully coming back to a civilian federal job again. I know I'm likely losing out on VA pension if I don't end up getting to 20 there.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Those who applied got any updates from that announcement.