This week on The FED Weekly, we cover crucial updates for federal employees and retirees from November 23-29, 2025. The episode breaks down Federal Benefits Open Season—highlighting a significant 12.3% hike in health premiums for 2026—and details how new plan designs shift more costs onto members. Legislative efforts to tackle rising healthcare expenses, including reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers, are also discussed. For retirees, the 2026 FERS cost-of-living adjustment is capped at 2.0%, falling short of matching premium increases, raising concerns about financial security. The episode also explains pay changes: most General Schedule workers receive only a 1.0% increase. At the same time, law enforcement sees targeted boosts, reviews ongoing federal workforce reductions, and faces a high-stakes legislative battle over collective bargaining rights. Lawrence stresses the importance of staying informed as policy and benefit changes continue to reshape the federal workforce landscape.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
• (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
• (00:48) -  The Critical Benefits Window: Federal Benefits Open Season Update
• (01:39) - Healthcare Costs and Plan Changes for 2026
• (02:58) -  Hidden Cost Shifts and Benefit Design Changes
• (05:23) - Congressional Actions on Healthcare Costs
• (07:27) - Post-Shutdown Recovery and Pay Implementation
• (08:39) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
• (10:47) -  Thrift Savings Plan Updates and SECURE 2.0 Implementation
• (13:08) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
• (13:11) - Pay Structure and Workforce Restructuring
• (15:37) -  Workforce Restructuring and Headcount Accountability
• (16:49) -  Politicization of Hiring Decisions
• (18:03) - Legislative Battle over Collective Bargaining Rights
• (19:25) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged