In this episode, we cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 3–9, 2026. The episode spotlights Public Service Recognition Week, overshadowed by controversy over the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) new data policy requiring insurance carriers to submit unredacted medical records, raising privacy and HIPAA concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) milestones are discussed, including expanded telehealth, HSA eligibility, and DPC benefits. Tax reforms under the OBBBA, such as increases in SALT deduction caps and tax breaks on overtime, are highlighted. The Social Security Fairness Act’s repeal of the WEP and GPO is explained, with updates on retroactive payments and ongoing challenges for retirees navigating benefit adjustments. The Postal Service’s funding crisis and the expansion of pharmacy benefits for compensation program enrollees are addressed. For current employees, the episode details the new Schedule PC employment category removing due process rights, proposed forced distribution performance ratings, the push for a 2027 pay raise, expanded fertility benefits, and the Federal Retirement Fairness Act’s progress.

• (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro