Van Hollen, Murkowski Announce Bipartisan Support for 2.6% Pay Raise for Federal Workers

Today U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced bipartisan support for legislation to provide federal employees with a 2.6 percent cost of living increase. The House of Representatives passed companion legislation to this measure last month.

“Our federal workforce protects our nation, ensures the safety of our food and medicine, delivers Social Security and veterans’ benefits, and carries out countless other responsibilities on behalf of our citizens. The shutdown stranded more than 800,000 civil servants without pay for over a month – at the same time that the current pay freeze took effect. Now more than ever, these hardworking men and women deserve this cost of living adjustment to help make ends meet. I want to thank Senator Murkowski for her support, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation without delay and send it to the President’s desk,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Alaska has so many dedicated Alaskans who work hard to administer federal programs we value and count on. These are our neighbors who assist our veterans, process disaster declarations, help keep us safe, get us our passports and Social Security checks, inspect our food, support our farmers and fishermen, and so much more,” said Senator Murkowski. “After a period of pay freezes and compensation cuts over the last decade, this bill restores parity in the rate of adjustment Congress already approved for military and civilian military employees who also serve our nation. I am proud to support our federal employees and their service.”

The Federal Civilian Workforce Pay Raise Fairness Act of 2019 is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

###