The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

The U.S. national debt has surged past $37 trillion, raising alarms about its long-term impact on economic stability and generational equity. While some argue that low interest rates make high debt manageable, fiscal experts warn that relying on favorable conditions is a risky bet. Eroding public investment, budget gimmicks, and declining trust in economic data all compound the challenge. Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director of the Concord Coalition, is here to explain what’s at stake and what can be done.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After years of public service, many federal employees walk out the door with hard-earned insights about what works...and what doesn’t...in government. But those lessons rarely make it back to Congress. Departure Dialogues is a new project that gives departing civil servants a safe, nonpartisan way to share their wisdom and help fix the system they’ve spent years trying to make work. Here to fill us in on the details is Managing Director of POPVOX Foundation, Anne Meeker.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 When feds leave, a new project makes sure their wisdom doesn’t walk out the door with them Is Congressional irrelevance a choice or just the cost of modern politics? We can't keep looking away from our $37 trillion national debtSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump administration's push to reduce the federal workforce has affected virtually all agencies, but just three agencies are responsible for more than half of the total staff reductions so far. Those numbers are expected to continue climbing for the next several months or longer. Here with more analysis, is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal agencies have embarked on numerous initiatives in recent years to recruit and develop more cyber talent, but those efforts have been hobbled by a lack of good data, and now they face an uncertain future amid the Trump administration sweeping workforce changes. For more on what's happening with the cyber workforce Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday is here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From warships off Venezuela to rule changes in the Senate, lawmakers are back in Washington and facing some big issues. Republicans are pushing to fast-track Trump nominees with a new group-vote strategy, while Democrats dig in over funding fights that could trigger a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Trump’s expanded use of military force including National Guard deployments and a Caribbean crackdown is raising fresh legal and constitutional questions. Here with the latest on who’s playing hardball and what’s at stake is WTOP’s Mitchell Miller.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 GertonA new platform is helping former feds find their next missionTransitioning from military service or federal work means rethinking benefits, finances, and future plansCongress is back and faced with big issues they can’t avoidSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leaving the military or federal service is a full-life transition, not just a career change. From health coverage and education benefits to financial planning and family support, knowing what’s available can help you shape your future. Here with ideas to get you started is the President of Armed Forces Mutual, Mike Meese.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former feds struggling to translate their government work for today’s job market have a new tool in their toolbox. FedsForward is launching today an AI-powered platform built to help civil servants find values-driven roles in other sectors. Created entirely by volunteers, it’s the result of deep conversations with federal workers about what they need to thrive outside government. Karen Lee, the co-founder of Feds Forward returns to the show to share more about the tool and how it can help.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration has been rolling out a series of acquisition reforms in small chunks over the summer. Now the administration is preparing to debut a formal rule making this fall. The goal is to streamline and simplify the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or the FAR. For more, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday 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.