6/26/08: The House Appropriations Committee yesterday provided strong support for an NTEU-backed 3.9 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees next year in its markup of the fiscal 2009 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. This would match the 2009 raise for members of the military moving through Congress and continue the long tradition of military-civilian pay parity.

6/18/08: Senator Jim Webb (D. Va.) has introduced a paid parental leave bill identical to HR 5781, which is expected to be voted on in the House this week. Yesterday, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley sent Senator Webb a letter expressing NTEU's thanks and support for this action.

Having similar bills in both Houses of Congress increases the chance of enactment of this much-needed legislation. Given that this year is a short legislative session due to the fall elections, it is unclear whether the issue will be finally addressed during this session.