On January 21, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Chair of the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations, introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act of 2021 (H.R. 392). If enacted, the bill would provide a 3.2 percent pay raise to federal employees in 2022. FMA endorsed the bill.

In a press release upon introduction, Connolly wrote, “Our federal workforce serves with dedication and distinction every day. They deserve better. The FAIR Act is critical step towards recognizing their contributions and providing fair and just compensation." FMA strongly agrees, and has endorsed previous iterations of the FAIR Act, as introduced in both the 115th and 116th Congresses. 

We expect Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) to introduce companion legislation in the Senate shortly. Schatz said, “Federal workers play an important role in our everyday lives . . . After suffering through furloughs and pay freezes over the past few years, these hardworking public servants deserve a raise — and our bill will make sure they finally get one."

Despite a late push in the Senate for a pay freeze, feds received a 1 percent raise in 2021. 

The FAIR Act was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and currently has 17 cosponsors. To follow the progress of the bill, please click here.