7/10/08: The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a fiscal 2009 funding bill that would provide federal civilian employees with a 3.9 percent pay raise — a full percentage point higher than that proposed by the White House, and an amount in step with a 2009 military pay raise moving through Congress. The committee also approved fiscal 2009 funding of $938 million for the Securities and Exchange Commission -- $25 million more than the White House proposal.

7/8/08: Today’s approval by a key Senate subcommittee of a 3.9 percent pay raise in 2009 for federal civilian employees is another welcome step forward in securing a fair and reasonable increase that also will aid federal agency recruitment and retention efforts. This action by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government is a reflection of the understanding of its members of the continuing contributions to our nation of the federal workforce.