In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover critical updates for federal employees and retirees during March 1–7, 2026. The ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now in its third week, has left thousands without pay, heightening concerns over operational security and worker well-being. Legislative efforts like the Shutdown Fairness Act and full DHS funding are in focus. For retirees, the Social Security Fairness Act’s retroactivity problem is spotlighted, with advice on appealing denied payments, and OPM’s push toward digital retirement processing is examined amid high backlogs. Updates include 2026 cost-of-living adjustments, new retirement earnings limits, and TSP plan changes. For current workers, the episode highlights transformative civil service reforms under the Trump administration, including a move toward an at-will workforce and performance-based layoff proposals. Federal pay remains tight, but targeted pay bills and recruitment initiatives are underway. The landscape is rapidly shifting, making staying informed crucial for the entire federal workforce.

• (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro