[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S895-S896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DESERVE PAY PARITY

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, as the government moves to protect its 
citizens, harden its borders, and defends American interests abroad, I 
want to make sure that the Nation's Federal employees are given the 
resources and support needed to carry out these missions.
  Numerous studies point to the government's inability to compete with 
the private sector as one reason why we are unable to attract and 
retain qualified Federal employees. With a few exceptions, since 1981, 
military and Federal personnel have received equal pay increases. Yet, 
the administration's FY03 budget calls for an across-the-board 
adjustment of only 2.6 percent, while the military would receive a 4.1 
percent increase. The proposed 2.6 percent increase is less than the 
formula used by the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act and fails 
to close the pay gap between Federal and private sector workers.
  In my capacity as Chairman of both the Senate Governmental Affairs 
Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal 
Services and the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and 
Management Support, I am actively involved in issues relating to 
Federal employees. Our civilian workforce plays a significant role in 
the support of our service members on active duty, in the reserves, and 
serving with the National Guard. I support a cohesive and coordinated 
effort in safeguarding America and believe a strong civilian workforce 
is crucial to our success in protecting our country.
  By 2005, over half the Federal workforce will be eligible to retire, 
and as long as fewer young people are choosing Federal service to fill 
these gaps, there should be a commitment from the highest levels of 
government to ensure that agencies are adequately staffed with the 
right people and the right skills to run the government in an effective 
and efficient manner.
  The American people know that the war on terrorism will be a long 
struggle; a different kind of war with fronts both at home and abroad. 
Our civilian Federal workforce is on the front line of this war and 
must be prepared to respond to the possibility of attack. We

[[Page S896]]

should not distinguish between our civilian and military workforces, 
both of whom serve their country with equal dedication.

                          ____________________