[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 34 (Monday, August 24, 1998)]
[Pages 1644-1645]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the 1999 Federal Pay Raise

August 20, 1998

    I am announcing today my support for a 3.6 percent pay raise in 1999 
for Federal civilian employees and military personnel. This increase is 
consistent with preliminary appropriations and authorizing actions 
already taken in Congress. I urge the Congress to enact legislation 
providing for such an increase, and if Congress fails to act, I will use 
my executive authority to guarantee that a 3.6 increase takes effect.
    An increase of 3.6 percent for Federal employees would essentially 
allow Federal pay to match the growth in private sector wages. Given the 
high level of productivity of Federal employees and the continuing trend 
of solid real income gains in the private sector, I believe that Federal 
employees deserve the recognition and compensation that this increase 
provides. I will continue to work with Congress and labor to review the 
means by which we ensure fair and equitable pay.
    Since the first days of this administration, the Vice President and 
I have worked to streamline the Federal Government. Today, the 
Government operates more efficiently and better serves the American 
people. This success would not have been possible without Government 
employees who have been

[[Page 1645]]

called upon to work harder and to do more with less. Our Federal 
employees have risen to that mission, and with this action, we recognize 
their efforts.