Members of both parties are urging congressional leaders to guarantee civilian federal employees an across-the-board pay raise of at least 3.8%, setting up a possible congressional override of President Trump's planned pay freeze, GovExec reports.
Key Facts
- Lawmakers from both parties are pressing House and Senate leadership to authorize a raise of at least 3.8% for civilian federal employees.
- They cite the supplemental pay increase Trump has planned only for law enforcement as their benchmark.
- The administration's plan would freeze pay for the broader civilian workforce, while law enforcement personnel would receive the extra increase.
- Backers of the push say the civilian workforce should not be left out when one segment of federal employees receives a raise.
- Any override would require Congress to enact a pay raise through legislation, rather than accept the president's proposal.
What It Means For You
For most civilian employees, including General Schedule and wage grade workers, the outcome determines whether pay stays flat or rises next year.
A 3.8% raise would add roughly $3,040 to an illustrative $80,000 base salary, before locality adjustments and taxes. Actual results vary by grade, step, and locality area. You can estimate your own numbers with the federal pay raise calculator.
Key points to watch:
- Law enforcement employees: The planned supplemental increase applies only to this group under the administration's current plan.
- Other civilian employees: Under the proposal as described, you would see no across-the-board increase unless Congress acts.
- Military members: The reported push concerns civilian pay. It does not address military pay, which is set through a separate process.
Background
Federal pay raises are typically set through a process that begins with a statutory formula. The president can propose an alternative pay plan, but Congress can pass legislation setting a different raise. Lawmakers pushing for the 3.8% floor are looking to that authority.
Their argument rests on parity. Because the administration has identified funds and support for a law enforcement pay increase, they say, a minimum raise for the rest of the civilian workforce is a reasonable standard.
It is not yet clear whether House and Senate leaders will act on the request. Passing a raise would require support in both chambers. Pay provisions are often attached to larger spending or funding measures, which can affect timing.
GovWire.org will update this story as congressional leaders respond or legislation is introduced.
Source: GovExec — Pay & Benefits