FederalDaily - July 11, 2005
Health Benefits Extended for Reservists, National Guard
The Department of Defense (DoD) has changed its rules governing health benefits
for federal civilian employees called to active duty in the Reserves or National
Guard. Under the new guidelines, DoD civilian active duty employees supporting
a contingency operation after Sept. 14, 2001, may continue their Federal Employees’ Health
Benefits coverage, and have their agency pay their share of the premiums, for
up to 24 months. Previous regulations only provided coverage for up to 18 months.
The regulation also allows agency-paid premiums to start the date an employee
is placed on leave without pay or separated from civil service to perform active
duty. Previously, coverage and agency payment of premiums began the date the
employee entered active duty.
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Whistleblowers Allowed Jury Trials
What is being called a breakthrough in the rights of federal whistleblowers,
new legislation approved by the Senate would allow jury trials for those who
speak out against government waste and abuse. Included as part of the Senate
Energy Bill, an amendment would allow Department of Energy employees and contractors
the right to a jury trial if their whistleblower claims are allowed to languish
inside agencies awaiting administrative determination. “Jury trials long
have been acknowledged as whistleblowers’ only meaningful chance for
justice,” said Tome Devine, legal director for the Government Accountability
Project. While the House Energy Bill does include whistleblower rights, it
does not grant them the same access to jury trials as the Senate version. The
issue is likely to be solved when the two bills go to conference committee
later this summer.
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Virginia Senator Calls BRAC Decision Illegal
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., who helped create the current Base Relocation and
Closure (BRAC) process, called the decision to close down numerous military
installations in his state a violation of the law. Before the independent BRAC
Commission on Thursday, Warner, who is also chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee, said the decision to move more than 23,000 DoD workers at numerous
sites in Virginia is merely an attempt by the Pentagon to vacate leased office
space. According to Warner, who has been through five rounds of base closings
as a senator, the moves in many cases are unnecessary and costly for taxpayers.
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OPM Issues HR Exceptions for Severe Weather
With hurricane season gearing up, the Office of Personnel Management has issued
detailed guidance on exceptions to human resources policies that departments
may use during periods of severe weather. Excused absences may be offered to
employees who are requested—and approved by their employing agencies—to
assist in special relief efforts in affected communities. Absences may also
be extended to employees who are not able to report to work or are faced with
personal emergencies resulting from bad weather. Additional flexibilities include:
30-day appointments to fill critical hiring needs; direct hire of individuals
in specific positions; contracts with private sector temporary employment firms;
and competitive service appointments for 120 days without considering special
assistance programs. More information on the exceptions is available at www.opm.gov.
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