With the U.S. job market still relatively tight, the federal government is working to stand out as an employer of choice, especially for workers embarking on their careers.

Lawmakers are working on a continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current government funding levels through December 16, 2022, as the fiscal year (FY) expires on September 30, 2022.

President Joseph Biden has formally announced his intention to raise the pay of civilian federal employees under the General Schedule (GS) beginning on January 1, 2023.

The White House intends to ensure accountability, efficiency, and transparency, as federal agencies implement the bipartisan $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

In an executive order, President Biden has approved an average 2.7 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees on December 22, 2021. The increase will be reflected in the first pay period of 2022 and restores pay parity between civilian employees and military personnel.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is seeking public commentary regarding the President's Management Agenda's (PMA) draft learning plan addressing government-wide management issues.

The Biden Administration has directed federal agencies to allocate resources to strained hospitals and to improve COVID-19 prevention coupled with a surge in federal personnel.

In a pair of letters, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the spike in organized retail theft. The Senator also requests a report regarding federal law enforcement's efforts to combat "smash-and-grab" robberies on brick-and-mortar shops.

In a press release, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced nine major retailers and wholesalers, including Walmart and Amazon, have 45 days to provide information about their operations to identify the causes of supply chain disruptions that impede economic recovery.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced $73 million in grants to 85 American Indian and Alaska Native communities to help improve public safety and assist crime victims. The grants are meant to improve tribal justice systems and law enforcement, as well as improving child abuse investigations and domestic violence prevention.

In a July 13, 2021 press release, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rahul Gupta to be Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a position also known as drug czar.

The Biden administration recently released its National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism, which includes plans to combat domestic terrorism in the United States through interagency collaboration, hiring new personnel, and updating the screening process to remove extremism from government.

The Biden administration released a memo on June 10, 2021 to facilitate the safe, effective, and efficient return of federal employees to the physical workplace given the declining threat of COVID-19. The administration lifted the 25 percent occupancy rule for federal buildings, but continues to require detailed plans from agencies regarding return-to-work initiatives prior to increasing occupancy.

The White House released President Joe Biden’s full fiscal year 2022 budget on Friday. The budget proposal includes a pay raise for federal employees and pledges to focus on strengthening the workforce.

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that expands benefits for the federal workforce and Americans.

The Biden administration recently proposed the 2021 U.S. Citizenship Act to Congress. The bill has been introduced in both chambers by Congressional Democrats. The act would revamp the United States immigration system and reverse many immigration initiatives that were introduced by the Trump administration. The plan also includes several reforms aimed at improving the homeland security workforce.

On February 4, 2021, President Joe Biden released a national security memo that focused on revitalizing American foreign policy and restoring the national security workforce, institutions, and partnerships. He also recently appeared at the Department of State to send a message on foreign policy to the workforce, saying, “I want the people who work in this building, and our embassies and consulates around the world, to know I value your expertise, and I respect you. And I will have your back.”

President Trump signed an executive order on October 21, 2020 creating a new classification for federal employees. Per the order, employees that are in confidential, policy making positions would be categorized as Schedule F employees and would not be subject to traditional Title 5 workplace protections. These employees would also be barred from organizing against or appealing the administration. The order grants agency leaders broad discretion to hire and fire individuals in this schedule.

A new White House strategy recently named 20 emerging technologies that are crucial to national security. In light of new and different forms of national security threats, the administration is encouraging agencies to begin investing in emerging technologies and incorporating them into their organizations.