Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), co-chairs of the Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus, released the following statement.

“As co-chairs of the Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus, we strongly oppose President Trump’s FY2027 budget proposal to implement a federal civilian pay freeze and make deep cuts to agency budgets that would undermine the federal workforce and the services Americans rely on.

 We are committed to protecting federal workers and strengthening our merit-based civil service so non-partisan civil servants can continue serving the American people free from political interference. A pay freeze — especially following a 1% pay raise last year that did not keep pace with inflation — would make it harder to recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to carry out critical missions. 

Federal employees deliver essential services every day, from processing benefits to supporting national security. Stability in the workforce is fundamental to an effective federal government that can deliver the services the American people deserve.

We will continue working to advance the FAIR Act, which provides a 4.1% pay increase to better reflect the cost of living and the value of public service. The President has proposed a 7% pay raise for our service members — a recognition of the importance of readiness and retention. We support that and do believe that the same principle should apply to the civilian workforce that serves the American people every day.”

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