Raise Order Not the Last Word

Contrary to how the events commonly are reported by news outlets not particularly well versed in the procedures of federal pay-setting, a presidential pay raise order is not the final word on the raise. Any law containing a provision regarding a raise that is enacted after such an order overrides the order. So far there has been no move by Congress to either name a specific figure—despite proposals offered by some Democrats in both the House and Senate endorsing 3.3 percent—or to block the White House’s recommended 1 percent raise. However, legislative action on the raise always is possible until Congress adjourns for the year. This year Congress plans a post-election session to last at least through the first two weeks of December. Thus, even if an order is issued later this month, a 2015 raise won’t be finally decided until then.