The measure provides funds to increase Border Patrol staffing by about 2,000 positions and CBP staffing by about 150. Image: Thomas Carlson/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe wrapup budget measure continues several longstanding provisions on federal personnel policies, while rejecting several that had been in a House-passed measure.
Among the provisions continued from the past are those that bar agencies from beginning new “Circular A-76” studies that can lead to contracting-out of federal jobs, ban “lifestyle” type training on matters not directly related to official duty, and prohibit agencies from releasing names, home addresses and other identifying information on their employees to unions.
Also continued was language bar coverage of abortions in the FEHB program except in limited circumstances, and that meanwhile require FEHB carriers, with limited exceptions, to provide coverage for contraceptives.
However, House-passed language to ban coverage in the FEHB of gender-affirming care was dropped, as was language that would have cut off funding for agency DEI programs—both Biden administration priorities.
The measure also directs OPM to work with the Bureau of Prisons to “grant direct hiring authority to all BOP facilities to address the Bureau-wide staffing crisis.”
It further provides funds to increase Border Patrol staffing by about 2,000 positions and Customs and Border Protection staffing by about 150; and to continue funding the higher rates of pay for TSA screeners that took effect in mid-2023.
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