Hoyer Hails Implementation of 3.5% Pay Adjustment for Federal Civilian Employees

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today hailed the implementation of the 3.5 percent 2008 base pay adjustment for federal civilian employees, which President Bush ratified in an executive order issued last Friday. Rep. Hoyer and the Washington Area Congressional Delegation fought to ensure a 3.5 percent increase for both federal civilian and military employees, including the adjustments for each respectively in the consolidated appropriations bill for 2008 and the 2008 National Defense Authorization bill. The President pocket-vetoed the latter in late December over an unrelated provision.

"I am pleased that the President has taken the final step necessary to ensure federal civilian employees receive the 3.5 percent base pay increase for 2008," stated Rep. Hoyer.  "This adjustment will reap significant dividends both in terms of the morale of our federal workforce and in our efforts to recruit and retain vital government personnel."

"Unfortunately, the President's veto of the Defense Authorization bill has upended the 3.5 percent pay raise Congress approved for military personnel, resulting in the needless delay of a pay increase that our troops and military families were relying on," continued Hoyer. "Despite the President's veto, the Congress stands by the principle of pay parity and will work to ensure that the hard-working members of our armed forces receive their fair and equal adjustment."

According to data provided by the Office of Personnel Management, federal employees in the Washington Metro Area will receive a 4.49 percent increase – a figure adjusted to reflect locality pay for certain metropolitan areas where officials judge there is a sizable disparity between the federal and private sectors. Last year, federal employees received a base adjustment of 2.2 percent; the adjustment for Washington Area federal employees was 2.64 percent.

"From fighting crime and researching diseases to combating terrorism and protecting the homeland, federal employees are responsible for ensuring the operations of our federal government on which we all depend," said Hoyer. "The Washington Area Congressional Delegation fought hard to secure a fair pay adjustment this year, and we will continue to do so in the future because we believe federal employees – civilian and military personnel alike - deserve compensation equal to that of the great contributions they make in service to this nation."

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