Government Ranks Up Hiring: Merit-Based Makeover Hits Federal Jobs

2026-05679 — Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is officially pulling back a 2008 plan to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules because the world has changed a lot since then. They’ll cook up fresh, modern updates soon to make it easier for everyone to request government info. No new costs or deadlines now, but stay tuned for smarter, faster FOIA rules coming your way!

2026-04377 — Reduction in Force

The Office of Personnel Management is updating the rules for Reduction in Force (RIF), which affects federal employees facing job cuts. The new rules focus more on job performance than how long someone has worked, and they tweak who’s protected from layoffs. These changes aim to make the process fairer and smoother, with a comment deadline on May 4, 2026.

2025-14006 — Appeal Procedures for Recoupment of Awards, Bonuses, or Relocation Expenses Awarded or Approved for All Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs

If you work or used to work for the VA and got an award, bonus, or help moving, this new rule lets you appeal if they ask for that money back. It explains how to ask the Office of Personnel Management to review the payback order. This means you have a clear, fair way to challenge repayment decisions starting now.

2026-04547 — Submission for Review: 3206-0194, Annuity Supplement Earnings Report, RI 92-22

If you’re a FERS retiree under 62 who’s not on disability, you might get a special annuity supplement that helps boost your Social Security benefits. The government wants to keep checking your yearly earnings to make sure you still qualify for this extra money. They’re asking for your thoughts on this process until May 8, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas or concerns!

2026-04525 — Submission for Review: Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-41, 3206-0099 and 3206-0215, Verification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-49

If you’re a surviving adult child between 18 and 22 and a full-time student, this update affects you! The Office of Personnel Management wants to combine two school attendance forms into one simpler form to make it easier to prove you’re still in school and keep getting survivor benefits. They’re asking for your thoughts by May 8, 2026, so get ready to share your feedback!

2026-03997 — Submission for Review: 3206-0237, Information and Instructions on Your Reconsideration Rights, RI 38-47

The Office of Personnel Management is asking for public feedback on the instructions about how federal employees can ask for a second look at decisions about their retirement, health benefits, or life insurance. This update keeps the process clear and easy to follow, with no new costs or deadlines added. If you’re a federal employee or retiree, now’s the time to share your thoughts before April 28, 2026!

Previous: 2025-17122 — Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA) Implementing Regulations Related to Textile and Apparel Goods, Automotive Goods, and Other USMCA Provisions; Correcting Amendments

Starting January 17, 2025, new rules fix earlier mistakes in how the USMCA trade deal is handled for textiles, cars, and other goods. These updates help businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada get the right tariff benefits without confusion. If you trade these products, expect smoother customs processes and clearer rules soon!

Next: 2025-17201 — List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: TN Americas LLC NUHOMS® EOS Dry Spent Fuel Storage System Certificate of Compliance No. 1042, Amendment No. 4

The NRC is making official that Amendment No. 4 for the TN Americas NUHOMS EOS dry spent fuel storage system will take effect on October 14, 2025. This update affects nuclear facilities using these storage casks, ensuring they meet the latest safety standards. No extra costs are mentioned, but operators should be ready for the new rules by the deadline.