“This pay raise is important to keep federal pay from falling even farther behind that of the private sector. The House earlier passed its own version that made no mention of a federal raise. Under the complex law governing federal employee raises, that in effect supported President Trump’s recommendation for a freeze because if Congress takes no position, the White House recommendation takes effect automatically. Locality pay raises are determined by comparisons of federal and private sector pay in 44 city zones; a standard increase applies elsewhere. Federal senior executives and others at senior levels do not receive boosts; they receive raises based on their performance evaluations.

Source: Washington Post August 01, 2018 18:58 UTC