Both versions are silent regarding a pay raise, which would allow the average 5.2 percent raise proposed by President Biden to take effect by default. Image: ImagePixel/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffBoth the House and Senate have yet to vote on the key measure for federal employees and federal workplace policies, the general government bill, although the House could act soon — and in the process may take up a range of policy changes.
Both versions are silent regarding a pay raise, which would allow the average 5.2 percent raise proposed by President Biden to take effect by default. The House version however would roll back telework practices to pre-pandemic levels, block agency DEI programs, and ban coverage of gender-affirming care in the FEHB program among other policy provisions not in the Senate version.
In addition to those provisions, members of both parties are seeking numerous others; it will be up to the House Rules Committee to decide which will receive a floor vote. Republican-backed provisions would bar imposition of any future COVID-related vaccine or mask mandates in federal buildings; and prohibit the IRS from increasing its enforcement workforce.
Also: allow agencies to conduct “Circular A-76” studies that could lead to contracting-out jobs to the private sector; require agencies to produce plans to reduce underused office space; and bar OPM from finalizing and enforcing rules it has proposed to prevent the return of a “Schedule F” excepted service category for federal employees involved in policy matters who currently are in the competitive service.
Meanwhile, Democrats are seeking to delete the language on gender-affirming care and DEI programs; endorse the Biden administration’s push to further migrate the federal vehicle fleet to low-emission vehicles; and restore the portion of the advance funding for the IRS that was approved last year but clawed back in the debt ceiling law earlier this year.
Also: require an inspector general report on Postal Service efforts to protect its employees from crime; and remove a long-standing general ban on abortion coverage in the FEHB.
Large Share of Federal Workforce about to Experience a Payless Pay Period
OPM Details Coverage Changes, Plan Dropouts for FEHB/PSHB in 2026
OMB Says Federal Workforce RIFs are Starting as Shutdown Drags On
Financial Impact of Shutdown Starts to Hit Home; WH Threatens No Back Pay
Surge of Retirement Applications Is in the Pipeline, Says OPM
See also,
TSP Takes Step toward Upcoming In-Plan Roth Conversions
5 Steps to Protect Your Federal Job During the Shutdown
Over 30K TSP Accounts Have Crossed the Million Mark in 2025
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
