The main appropriations bill addressing federal pay is the financial services-general government measure, which has not started advancing yet. Commonly, specific government-wide language on a raise is included in that bill, along with various personnel policies, some of which have been renewed year to year for many years. Notably, that bill also specifically funds certain agencies including the IRS and GSA. Last year in light of the GSA conference spending scandal numerous proposals were raised but ultimately Congress only tightened some reporting requirements. Legislators might revisit that attempt this year following the recent IG report questioning a similar conference at the IRS. The IRS also could be the target of various other proposals in light of the controversy over singling out conservative groups for special scrutiny when applying for tax-exempt status. Likewise, another recent IG report that raised questions about GSA contracting practices could have repercussions. Also funded by the bill is OPM, which was the subject of a recent House hearing into its handling of funds paid by other agencies for OPM-provided services such as background investigations.
