Decisions Await as Congress Returns

Congress is back in session for what is projected to be 15 working days spread over four weeks before adjourning for the year December 12. During that period, it will have to address a budget for the fiscal year now more than a month old, since a stopgap measure runs only to December 11. Several strategies are possible, but the most likely approach appears to be a measure carrying through the remainder of the fiscal year — rather than an extension carrying only until sometime early in 2015 that would leave the issues for the new Congress. Among the many policies such a bill will set will be a final decision on the January federal raise. So far there has been no indication of any intent other than to allow a 1 percent across the board raise to take effect automatically, which will happen if Congress continues to remain silent on a raise through the end of this year. Also to be finalized are agency funding levels that have important implications for job levels, availability of training and awards, and other aspects of workplace life. Given the amount of other work still pending, it’s possible that the session will be extended farther into December.