FBI no longer treating an applicant’s experience with prostitution as automatic bar against hiring
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Associated Press) — The FBI is dropping a categorical hiring ban on applicants who have had sexual encounters with prostitutes and will instead consider in…
7 Deadly Sins for Security Clearance Holders and Applicants
This article was updated to reflect 2026 policy changes and national security developments. Obtaining a security clearance is required for any federal employees or contractors who…
The Bottom Line of Guideline F: Your Personal Finances Impact Your Security Clearance Eligibility
Adopting a Lifestyle Compatible with Classified Work One of the more painful moments for a security clearance lawyer is watching Department Counsel, sworn to strip your client’s…
Trump admin reshaping federal employee discipline, firing rules
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Federal News Network) — The rules governing discipline and removal procedures for federal employees are on track for a major overhaul. A slew of proposed…
DHS IG investigating reassignments of senior staff under Noem
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Federal News Network) — The Department of Homeland Security inspector general is investigating whether DHS ran afoul of laws and regulations when it forced…
Can I Get Security Clearance Without a Sponsor? Getting Your Foot in the Door
When it comes to obtaining a security clearance, you absolutely must have a sponsor. A Security Clearance is not like a Driver’s License, which is issued to an individual who…
OPM finalizes ‘Nixonian’ rule centralizing and enabling some federal firings
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Government Executive) — The Office of Personnel Management this week finalized new regulations granting the agency the power to remove federal workers…
The Origins of SEAD-4: Defining and Working within The Circle of Trust
Signed by then Director of National Intelligence, James E. Clapper, in June 2017, SEAD-4 is the common regulatory rubric for all Executive branch elements with Security programs…
How a CIA officer convinced US government to give him $40M in gold bars — as new allegations about his past are revealed
WASHINGTON, D.C. (New York Post) — A wannabe spy convinced the CIA to give him $40 million in gold bars by claiming it was for “work-related expenses” — and it was…
Trump Takes Aim at Press Leaks With NDAs for Federal Workers
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Bloomberg Law) — Federal employees would sign nondisclosure agreements to discourage them from leaking government information to the press and the public,…