Early Test of Parity Concept Possible

Last year in a similar situation supporters of parity between federal and military personnel succeeded in getting both the House and Senate to adopt language supporting the concept of continuing the linkage. Their success last year sets a precedent for a similar effort this year. However, as happened last year, Bush administration officials likely will argue that raises for the two groups should not be formally linked. The first test likely will come as the House and Senate Budget Committees write outlines of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Those budget “resolutions”-which are not binding but which send strong messages regarding congressional intent-are due to be drafted by mid-April.