In the News

Today, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) led a bipartisan group of 12 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to match the 2018 pay increase for civilian federal employees to the raise given to service men and women in the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. Currently, members of the military are set to receive a 2.4 percent pay increase, compared to the 1.9 percent increase for civilian federal workers detailed in President Trump’s August, 2017 alternative pay plan.

“The federal workforce is a dedicated group of individuals who are critical to the day-to-day functions of the federal government,” wrote the Representatives. “Without them, social security benefits would not be delivered, tainted foods would remain on grocery store shelves, and our national parks would not be open for visitors to enjoy. We feel strongly that federal employees are an asset to the federal government and deserve parity with respect to pay increases for the military and for civilian employees.”

“Our federal employees have dedicated their lives and careers in service to the American people,” said Congressman Connolly. “Yet far too often their sacrifice and dedication go unnoticed – met with shutdowns, furloughs, and pay freezes instead of gratitude, support, and advocacy. We must do better. All federal employees – civilian and military alike – deserve a pay increase worthy of their selfless commitment to the betterment of the American public.”

“Thank you, Rep. Gerry Connolly, for once again showing a strong dedication to the public servants who keep our country running,” said American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. “The men and women who have dedicated their careers to serving America deserve pay parity with the military. We hope that President Trump sees how important pay parity is to those who protect our borders, inspect our food, care for our veterans, and process our Social Security benefits and will support Rep. Connolly in giving federal employees the pay parity they deserve.”

In addition to Rep. Connolly, the letter is signed by: Rep. Steny H. Hoyer; Rep. Elijah E. Cummings; Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Rep. Tom Cole; Rep. David B. McKinley; Rep. Peter T. King; Rep. Donald S. Beyer, Jr.; Rep. Barbara Comstock; Rep Anthony G. Brown; Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick; Rep. Jamie Raskin.

The full text of the letter follows and is available here:


The Honorable Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Included in the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a 2.4 percent pay increase for our service men and women. As in previous years, we support the biggest pay increase possible for our military members. We also want to note that with very few exceptions there has been parity with respect to pay raises for military and civilian federal employees.

In August, you issued an alternative pay plan for civilian federal employees, giving them a 1.9 percent pay raise in 2018. We respectfully urge you to revise the alternative pay plan and issue a 2.4 percent pay increase for all federal workers, including civilian workers.

The federal workforce is a dedicated group of individuals who are critical to the day-to-day functions of the federal government. We should not take them for granted. Without them, social security benefits would not be delivered, tainted foods would remain on grocery store shelves, and our national parks would not be open for visitors to enjoy. Unfortunately, federal workers are often vilified and their pay and benefits are constantly under attack. Over the last six years, federal employees have contributed nearly $200 billion to deficit reduction. They have also had to endure pay freezes, hiring freezes, lost salaries as a result of sequestration-related furloughs, and higher pension contributions. Most recently, they are reporting to work each day under the uncertainty of whether their positions will still remain after the Administration’s reorganization efforts.

We feel strongly that federal employees are an asset to the federal government and deserve parity with respect to pay increases for the military and for civilian employees. We believe this is crucial to recruiting and retaining the talent necessary for an innovative and effective federal workforce. We hope you will agree and use your authority to increase civilian pay by 2.4 percent in 2018.

Sincerely,



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