Yesterday, December 17, 2019, the House approved two appropriations bills to keep the government open, fund agencies for fiscal year (FY) 2020 and provide federal employees with a pay raise.

The bipartisan legislation provides for an average 3.1 percent pay increase (a 2.6 percent across-the-board pay increase and 0.5 percent increase for locality pay rates), which is on par with members of the military. This is a welcome departure from the administration's initial call for a pay freeze and later a 2.6 percent across-the board increase.

Many NTEU-represented agencies would also get much-needed funding boosts, for example:

• IRS will receive $207 million more than current levels. This includes increases for taxpayer services, enforcement, operations support and business systems modernization.

• SEC will receive $70 million over the administration’s request.

• CBP will receive $104 million for 800 new positions in the Office of Field Operations, including 610 additional CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists.

NTEU fought hard against the “Cadillac Tax,” a 40 percent tax on high-coast medical plans set to start in 2022. That tax, which could impact the FEBHP, was eliminated in the final agreement.

However, language protecting employee collective bargaining rights was not included, despite strong bipartisan support from members of Congress. NTEU's fight will continue to protect this vital workplace right.

Now that the House has approved the two packages of spending bills, they move to the Senate. To avoid a shutdown, the Senate must approve the bills and the president must sign them before Friday’s funding deadline.

NTEU will be sending emails, updating our website and social media to keep you up to date.

This article was posted in its original form here.