Hoyer Remarks at NARFE Maryland Federal 2024 Mini-Conference

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks today at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Maryland Federal 2024 Mini-Conference. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

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“Good morning; it’s always a pleasure to be here with those who have served our nation in federal employment. You heard from my dear friend County Executive Angela Alsobrooks earlier today, and she’s a tough act to follow, but I will do my best. Like her, I’m a proud, longstanding advocate for our federal workers and retirees.

“The first week of May is National Public Service Recognition Week. Our support for our federal workers and retirees, however, must continue year-round.

“The federal government cannot serve the American people effectively unless it can recruit and retain the best and brightest workers – men and women like you. That’s why I’ve fought to increase your pay and improve your benefits throughout my time in Congress. Recently, I helped secure a 5.2% pay increase for federal workers in calendar year 2024. That’s the biggest cost-of-living-adjustment since 1980.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us. On average, federal workers still make upwards of 20% less than their counterparts in the private sector. We must also ensure that those enrolled in C.S.R.S., F.E.R.S., and the rest of the federal retirement system can keep pace with rising costs. It is also crucial that we continue to improve workplace safety and maintain the integrity of our federal civil service. The Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats have coordinated closely with NARFE and organizations like it to support these efforts.

“Crucially, we have countered Republicans’ persistent efforts to vilify and punish our hardworking federal employees. In the final months of 2023, we watched House Republicans use the Holman Rule more than sixty times to target specific federal employees’ salaries. Republicans tried to cut their pay to $1 not because of any misconduct. They did it because these hardworking federal employees don’t share their right-wing partisan agenda. We blocked those amendments, but they were a reminder of Republicans’ longstanding policy of demonizing the federal workforce.

“Now we watch their presidential nominee develop plans to use Schedule F to remove tens of thousands of federal employees who don’t subscribe to his political beliefs. We ought to measure the quality of our federal workers on the basis of their proficiency, not their politics; their competence, not their connections; their integrity, not their loyalty to one person.

“Our federal workers are some of the most able, dedicated, and principled Americans because our federal civil service is based on merit. We must ensure that it always remains that way.

“Last month, I was pleased to see the Biden-Harris Administration adopt a new rule to strengthen protections against Schedule F and further insulate our federal workers from political interference. I want to thank you for all of your help and strong support throughout this process.

“Friends – it’s been an honor to stand with you all these years to promote the issues that we both care about: better pay and benefits, safer work conditions, greater recognition for the contributions our federal employees make to America.

“The most effective way to make sure Congress stays on the right side of these issues is for federal employees and retirees to make their voices heard at the ballot box. This is a pivotal election year. There are important races underway here in Maryland that will have a tremendous impact on policy outcomes for federal workers, retirees, and the direction of our country. It is crucial that you encourage all of your members to exercise their right to vote.

“Not only do federal workers and retirees deserve greater recognition, safer working conditions, and better pay and benefits; they also deserve leaders who will push for this progress. You certainly do not deserve leaders who try to vilify you, denigrate your essential work, and threaten your livelihoods.

“So, I thank you for your engagement and for all your work on behalf of federal employees and retirees in Maryland and beyond. Together, let’s continue to serve the men and women who serve America.”

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