This episode of The FED Weekly covers the critical updates for federal employees and retirees from December 7-13, 2025. Key focus areas include the end of the federal Benefits Open Season and a sharp 12.3% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026, compounding a 25% hike over two years. Budget negotiations resulted in another temporary continuing resolution, extending federal funding through March 2026 but restricting agency operations. There’s concern over minimal pay raises: most federal workers receive just a 1.0% increase (with no bump to locality pay), far below inflation, except for specific law enforcement roles, who get 3.8%. Retirees face diminishing real income, as rising healthcare and Medicare costs outpace COLA increases. Legislative action saw Congress pass a bill to protect labor rights, but related protections were stripped from the crucial NDAA, leaving defense workers exposed. Additionally, federal wage-grade employees will see retroactive pay raises in early 2026. The episode closes with advice to stay informed and engaged amid ongoing changes in pay, benefits, and labor rights.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
• (00:44) -  Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
• (00:47) - Healthcare Costs and Open Season Conclusion
• (05:30) - Government Funding and Continuing Resolution
• (10:35) - Administrative and Regulatory Changes
• (12:44) -  Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
• (15:50) -  Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
• (21:01) -  The Battle for Labor Rights: H.R. 2550 vs. The NDAA
• (24:36) -  Retroactive Pay for Wage Grade Employees
• (25:18) - Conclusion: Staying Informed and Engaged