Message Notes Sacrifices Already Made

The President’s action, in the form of a letter to Congress, in effect is a defensive move allowed under federal pay law against paying a larger raise that otherwise would kick in by default in the absence of legislation; the official “pay gap” figure under that law is 35.4 percent on average. Under that law, when a President sets an “alternative” raise figure, he must assess the potential impact of paying a lower amount, which Obama did in a few words: “This decision will not materially affect our ability to attract and retain a well-qualified federal workforce.” The letter also said that federal employees “have already made significant sacrifices” noting the three-year salary rate freeze that ended earlier this year and recognizing that the 1 percent raise paid in January similarly was less than called for by the underlying law. “However, as the country’s economic recovery continues, we must maintain efforts to keep our nation on a sustainable fiscal course. This is an effort that continues to require tough choices and each of us to do our fair share,” the letter said.