Biden Edges Closer to Granting Salary Increase for Federal Workers
The White House is moving forward with a proposed 5.2% pay raise for federal civilian workers, according to President Joe Biden. He sent letters to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Vice President Kamala Harris informing them of the plan, which is being pursued through Title 5, Sections 5303 and 5304 of the United States Code. Biden argues that provisions allowing for bigger raises during a national emergency or poor economy qualify for this increase. The raise will be the largest in over 40 years and is intended to attract, recruit, and retain skilled workers in order to keep the government running and meet the nation’s challenges. The pay adjustment will go into effect in 2024, but an executive order will need to be issued before the end of this year to finalize the process. This is another increase in federal employees’ salaries under the Biden administration, following a 4.6% raise approved in 2022 and a 2.7% raise approved the year prior.
