Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 25 April 2025

This week the Horizon asked DOJ to let Google keep Chrome as part of its antitrust settlement on the company’s dominance in search. We also reviewed why acquisition reform is easier said than done. Your Friday cutting-room links:

“Dudek calls for entire SSA offices to be converted to new Schedule F,” Government Executive

Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek has directed a significant reclassification of employees within the Social Security Administration to the controversial Schedule F, a move that could strip civil service protections from a large portion of the workforce, raising concerns among employee groups and experts regarding the implications for policy-making and employee rights.

• Dudek's directive aims to convert extensive SSA offices to Schedule F, affecting various operational roles.
• The reclassification could affect over 20 percent of the workforce represented by the American Federation of Government Employees.
• Critics argue that this move distorts the definition of "policy-influencing" roles, jeopardizing essential civil service protections.

“IRS layoff notices to employees delayed by ‘glitches’,” Federal News Network

IRS faced delays in issuing layoff notices due to technical glitches, as the agency plans to cut up to 40 percent of its workforce amidst ongoing leadership changes.

• Layoff notices for several IRS offices were not sent out as planned due to "issues" and "glitches."
• The IRS aims to reduce its workforce from approximately 102,000 employees to between 60,000 and 70,000.
• Acting IRS Deputy Chief Operating Officer A. Stewart Pearlman assures that layoffs will proceed as intended, despite delays.

“Why This Startup Airline Is Turning to Deportation Flights,” Wall Street Journal

Avelo Airlines' controversial decision to operate deportation flights for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlights the airline's financial struggles and has sparked significant backlash from employees, customers, and local officials, reflecting the complex intersection of business and immigration policy in the current geopolitical landscape.

• Avelo Airlines will begin handling deportation flights to stabilize its finances amid economic challenges.
• The decision has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, particularly in liberal-leaning regions served by the airline.
• Avelo's flights will transport migrants to detention centers and on deportation flights, raising safety and ethical concerns.

“Pentagon to resume medical care for transgender troops,” Politico

The Pentagon's decision to resume gender-affirming medical care for transgender troops, following a court order, marks a significant reversal in military policy under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faces mounting pressure as legal battles over the administration's previous restrictions continue.

• The Pentagon is reinstating gender-affirming care for transgender service members due to a court ruling against previous restrictions.
• The administration is appealing the ruling, but for now, it is barred from removing transgender troops or restricting their medical care.

“Trump Comments on U.S. Tourism Decline – Travelers Cite Trump's Policies,” Skift

President Trump's comments on the decline in US tourism highlight the impact of his administration's policies and the prevailing political climate, as a significant number of international travelers express reluctance to visit due to concerns over safety and national sentiment.

• 46 percent of travelers from five surveyed countries indicate they are less likely to visit the US because of Trump's presidency.
• Visits to the US from overseas fell by 11.6 percent in March compared to the previous year, with Western European visits dropping by 17.2 percent.\
• Concerns about mistreatment of tourists have been downplayed by Trump, who believes the weak dollar may attract more visitors.