5/25/07: In a development that is significant to the federal employees' pay raise for 2008, the Senate Committee on Armed Services approved S. 567, its version of the Department of Defense’s Authorization Act which includes the 3.5 percent military pay raise. Earlier, on May 17, 2007, the House of Representatives passed its bill with the 3.5 percent raise. The Senate bill will be scheduled for action on the Senate Floor after the Memorial Day recess.

NTEU worked diligently with congressional committees on both the House and Senate sides in favor of the 3.5 percent level. This is ½ percent above the administration’s recommended increase of 3 percent and significant for federal employees who have received pay parity with the military in recent years. NTEU President Colleen Kelley will continue to work with NTEU's friends on the Senate side to ensure its passage.

This year’s federal employee pay raise is likely to be included in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, expected to be marked up in early June. President Kelley has already testified in favor of the 3.5 percent level for federal employees and will continue to push for it.