GAO Releases Report on Recent Federal Workforce Changes at OPM
The Government Accountability Office released a report examining recent workforce changes at the Office of Personnel Management, alongside five other reports issued July 16–20, 2026.
Federal Workforce
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GAO says agencies need stronger oversight of federal workforce changes
A Government Accountability Office review released July 20 says implementation and oversight of recent workforce changes at the Office of Personnel Management require attention from Congress and federal agencies.
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GAO: OPM lost 35% of its workforce by March 2026
A GAO report says OPM lost 1,052 employees by March 2026, including many long-serving workers, raising concerns about capacity and federal services.
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Schedule Policy/Career puts presidential control against civil-service protections
OPM’s July 23 guidance makes Schedule Policy/Career operational, while a pending lawsuit challenges whether it weakens protections Congress created.
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GAO Finds OPM Lost 35% of Staff as Questions Mount Over Federal Capacity
A July 20 GAO review found OPM lost 35% of its staff and warned that missing records limited its assessment of the cuts’ costs and effects.
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OPM suitability rule: post-appointment conduct changes take effect July 30
OPM’s final 5 CFR part 731 rule takes effect July 30, 2026, giving OPM a formal path for employee suitability actions based on post-appointment conduct.
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OPM shakeups: GAO warns office cuts and capacity loss raise federal HR risk
United States Federal Watchdogs and Public Spending – GAO says OPM cut headcount 35% and eliminated 10 offices, raising operational risk amid missing documentation.
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OPM finalizes performance rating overhaul: Aug. 6, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027
OPM’s July 7 final rule changes federal performance ratings, with standardized distribution starting Aug. 6 and major updates starting Jan. 1, 2027.
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OPM performance rating rules change: Jan. 1, 2027 starts for non-SES
OPM’s July 7 final rule revamps non-SES performance ratings and disputes—ban removed on forced/standardized distributions, Level 2 removed, and compliance starts Jan. 1, 2027.
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Supreme Court sends immigration-judge speech fight back to lower courts
The Supreme Court revived the immigration-judge speech case on May 26, 2026, sending it back without ruling on the First Amendment claim.
