In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on critical issues affecting federal employees and retirees during the ongoing government shutdown. Highlights include missed paychecks, reliance on emergency resources, and intense financial strain across the federal workforce. Legislative deadlock persists, with debates over healthcare and new bills, such as the Shutdown Fairness Act, aiming to provide immediate relief. Recent judicial interventions upheld SNAP benefits for millions and blocked reduction-in-force notices, protecting worker stability. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums increasing by 12.3% and new administrative requirements for retirees navigating Medicare. The finalized pay structure for 2026 features a modest 1% general raise, a targeted increase for law enforcement, and frozen locality rates—leaving most employees with eroded compensation due to inflation and rising health care costs. Efforts to restrict telework are intensifying, with return-to-office mandates being linked to workforce reduction strategies.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
• (00:43) - Government Shutdown: Impact and Legislative Deadlock
• (02:12) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
• (05:11) - Judicial Interventions and Financial Safeguards
• (08:11) - Health Care Premiums and Open Season Planning
• (10:17) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
• (10:20) - Retirement Updates: COLA and Medicare Changes
• (11:12) -  New Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Health Plan Coordination
• (13:40) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
• (15:52) -  The Finalized 2026 Pay Structure and Locality Freeze
• (17:56) -  Continuing Pressure on Workplace Posture
• (19:24) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts