Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 21 November 2025

"Doug Burgum Is Charging Interior Department Agencies a Premium to Subsume Their Employees," Government Executive

The Interior Department is undergoing a controversial consolidation of employees under Secretary Doug Burgum, former North Dakota governor, who is imposing significant fees on its bureaus for absorbing staff into his office.

• Secretary Burgum's office has absorbed around 5,700 employees from various bureaus, charging each bureau for their pay and benefits, along with additional fees, which has sparked criticism over potential budget strains.
• The reorganization has not received congressional approval, despite laws requiring it when reallocating funds or impacting significant staffing changes, raising legal and procedural questions.
• Former Interior officials warn that this consolidation may disrupt operations and create double costs for agencies already facing budget constraints and staffing reductions from previous layoffs.

"SBA Told Laid-Off Employees They Could Get Their Jobs Back. It Rescinded That Offer a Day Later," Federal News Network

SBA initially offered laidoff employees a chance to regain their positions, only to retract this offer within 24 hours, leaving many confused and uncertain.

• On 29 September 2025, SBA issued RIF notices to 77 employees, coinciding with the government shutdown, but later indicated those notices were rescinded.
• A day after promising reinstatement, SBA confirmed that the layoffs would remain in effect, citing the recent spending resolution as the basis for maintaining the RIF.
• The resolution passed on 12 November 2025, states that any RIF actions between 1 October 2025 and the law's enactment would hold no validity, which could affect the SBA's decisions moving forward.

"Pratt & Whitney Gets More Than $1.2 Billion for F100 Engine Sustainment," Air & Space Forces Magazine

Pratt & Whitney has secured over $1.2 billion in contracts for the sustainment of the F100 fighter engine, a critical component for maintaining the operational capability of several fighter aircraft.

• Pratt & Whitney's primary contract is valued at $1.1 billion, emphasizing the significant financial commitment to the F100 engine's upkeep.
• The contracts were part of Pentagon announcements that experienced delays due to the federal government shutdown, indicating the impact of legislative actions on defense procurement.
• The funding will support the sustainment of the F100 engine, which powers various aircraft, ensuring continued operational readiness for the US military.

"DOD failing to address growing security threats posed by publicly available data," Federal News Network

A recent GAO report highlights a significant national security threat stemming from the digital footprints left by service members and their families online.

• The GAO report reveals that publicly accessible data, including social media posts and location tracking, can be aggregated by adversaries to identify and target military personnel and disrupt operations.
• Despite recognizing the risks, DOD's policies primarily focus on social media and email use, failing to encompass the full spectrum of threats posed by aggregated digital information.
• GAO issued twelve recommendations urging DOD to better incorporate the threat of publicly available data into its security framework, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts and collaboration across existing structures.

"GOP Overhaul of Broadband Permit Laws: Cities Hate It, Cable Companies Love It,” Ars Technica

Congressional Republicans are pushing a controversial plan that local government leaders deem an “unprecedented federal intrusion” into municipal permitting processes for broadband networks, garnering strong support from cable companies. The proposal aims to expedite approvals, potentially compromising local authority and community interests.

• The proposed legislation would automatically approve certain local telecom projects should municipalities fail to meet set deadlines, alarming local leaders who argue this undermines local governance.
• Critics, including Democratic leaders, emphasize that the bills could lead to significant community input loss, particularly affecting historically and culturally significant sites.
• The ongoing struggle over a $42 billion federal broadband program illustrates broader tensions, with local officials citing delays caused by previous administrations and the need for better community support in the permitting process.

"Education Dept Soft-Launches Employee Reassignments to Other Agencies, in Latest Step of Closure Plans," Federal News Network

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced the soft launch of employee transfers to other federal agencies as part of the Department’s planned shutdown. While immediate layoffs are not on the agenda, the department is preparing for potential workforce reductions in early 2026.

• The Education Department is initiating employee transfers to other agencies, having signed six interagency agreements to enhance efficiency and dismantle the federal education bureaucracy.
• Secretary McMahon indicated that thirteen employees have already been reassigned to the Labor Department, with plans for further transfers to be made permanent, pending congressional approval.
• Critics warn that scattering education programs across various agencies may weaken their effectiveness, as the receiving agencies may lack the necessary expertise in educational policy.