Process Has Many Twists and Turns

The “alternative” raise figure is important mainly only if Congress fails to enact a figure before the raise is due to be paid. In that scenario, which has happened in several recent years, the alternative figure would kick in by default if Congress doesn’t enact, and the President doesn’t sign, legislation containing a different figure by the end of the calendar year. However, that is rare; in most cases, the alternative figure is overridden by a final action on the raise agreed to by Congress and the White House by the end of the year. It appears increasingly likely that Congress will have to return for a lame-duck session after the November elections, when final action on spending bills is expected to take place.