The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The anxiety level among federal contractors is starting to rise as the partial government shutdown enters its third week with lawmakers still far apart in how to at least temporarily fund the government, some contractors are implementing austerity measures to help reduce the impact on their bottom line for more on what steps some federal contractors are starting to take. Federal News Network Executive Editor Jason Miller joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agencies are on a tight deadline to address a new and major cyber security vulnerability. The cyber security and infrastructure security agency directed agencies to patch potentially vulnerable F5 devices in an emergency. Directive comes as agencies also navigate reduced staffing during the shutdown. For more on all of this, we bring in Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. David Goff leads a $2.1 billion cardiovascular research portfolio at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, driving breakthroughs in maternal health, precision medicine, and inclusive data science. His work has helped set the national research agenda while uplifting the culture of public service. As a 2025 Arthur S. Flemming Award recipient, Dr. Goff joins us to reflect on the science, the service, and what’s next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 170 IRS attorneys have withdrawn from Tax Court cases since January, with dozens leaving the agency entirely. That’s slowing litigation, prompting settlements, and weakening the government’s ability to enforce tax laws. Here to explain what this exodus means for corporate accountability is Former Chief, DOJ Tax Division’s appellate section, Gil Rothenberg.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Defense Department is tightening restrictions on who can win consulting contracts. A new DFARS amendment bars awards to firms that also advise certain foreign governments—unless they clear a high bar for conflict mitigation. Here to explain what contractors need to know before the rule takes effect on October 24 is Venable Partner, Diz Locaria.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton The IRS is losing lawyers, giving companies leverage in court A new DFARS rule could block defense contracts for firms with foreign consulting ties From heart health to health equity, Dr. David Goff is shaping science and inspiring public serviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Military service members are seeing paychecks hit their bank accounts this week after the defense department moved billions to cover military salaries, but it's unclear what legal authority allowed the department to move the funds, raising questions about whether it could violate the Anti Deficiency Act. Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis is here with more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A judge is temporarily blocking the Trump administration from carrying out its latest round of federal employee layoffs at most agencies. Administration officials say RIF notices went out to about 4000 federal employees last Friday. President Donald Trump and senior administration officials say more layoffs could be coming at the end of this week. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman joins me with the latest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Common Cause has filed 54 ethics complaints against the Trump administration, citing violations of the Hatch Act, Anti-Deficiency Act, and Anti-Lobbying Act. The filings expose what the group calls a “fragmented, outdated” oversight system unable to confront coordinated abuse. Here to explain the findings and the case for a single, independent watchdog is senior vice president for policy and litigation at Common Cause, Omar Noureldin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recent deployments of Guard units to cities like D.C., L.A., and Memphis have raised tough questions about leadership, legality, and long-term impact. From command structure to civil-military relations, former Army Secretary and Congressman Patrick Murphy weighs in on what these missions mean for the Guard—and the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.