House Dems propose 3.1 percent pay hike for federal workers

House Democrats are proposing a 3.1 percent pay hike for federal workers in 2020. 

The raise was included in the draft appropriations bill covering financial services and general government, which is expected to advance through a subcommittee hearing on Monday and advance to the House floor later in the month.

{mosads}President Trump blocked a scheduled 2.1 percent increase in pay to federal workers last year, in an order that froze federal pay. He later agreed to a 1.9 percent increase in federal pay that was included in a spending package passed by Congress. 

The draft bill with the pay hike for federal workers would add $1.4 billion in new federal spending.

It also provides more money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax enforcement, increases funding for offices combating financial crimes and terrorism funding and funds election security grants.

“The bill provides increased funding so consumers can receive safe, quality products, small businesses can access the training and resources needed to succeed, and disadvantaged communities can achieve economic growth,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). 

“Additionally, the bill provides a significant increase in funding to improve election security and integrity, because our democracy belongs in the hands of American voters – not in the clutches of foreign powers.”

The bill also strips out riders that had been included on previous bills dealing with the District of Columbia. Those riders blocked local funds from being used for abortion, legalizing marijuana and needle exchange programs.