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Return to Article: President signs $516 billion omnibus spending bill

• 40675
  

  Unfortunately this bill doesn't require productivity increases. The american taxpayer deserves a reduction of 3.5% in the federal payroll to balance the raise.

  dan ketter Posted January 3, 2008 2:58 PM
• 40582
  

  ch, they are two different bills and they don't affect each other. The A-76 provisions in the omnibus bill stay even though the president vetoed the def auth.

  rg Posted January 2, 2008 10:23 AM
• 40499
  

  How does the pocket veto of the defense authorization bill threatened by Bush affect the competitive sourcing measures in the omnibus bill?

  ch Posted December 28, 2007 5:10 PM
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  How does the 3.5% increase affect those of us in the DC area who have already spiraled into NSPS, more specifically to locality pay / local market supplement? Agency officials and NSPS gurus don't seem to have this answer yet, which is especially frustrating since our annual rating period ended 90 days ago.

  confused Posted December 28, 2007 1:52 PM
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  How does the 3.5% increase affect those of us in the DC area who have already spiraled into NSPS, more specifically to locality pay / local market supplement? Agency officials and NSPS gurus don't seem to have this answer yet, which is especially frustrating since our annual rating period ended 90 days ago.

  confused Posted December 28, 2007 1:52 PM
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  Hip Hip Hooray, 3.5% is better than 3%. But I'm still dreaming about the 20% comparability increase. With the way things are, not in my life time, better try for a promotion. What about those other benefits issues, sick leave for retirement and eliminating the minus 1% on FERS COLA. Happy New Year!

  Evergladesbill Posted December 28, 2007 1:16 PM
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  It still amazes me that Congress, The President, and the majority of employee representation has not addressed the real issue of pay increases. When is everyone going to finally allow federal pay locality not to be part of the COLA? When are the parties above going to agree to catch up with the contractors and industry with equal pay (that is almost at 35% by varying surveys). Yes, you say employees must speak up. But, the real truth is that the employees do complain yet are not responsible for passing the neccessary bills to complete this task. Every year the President utilizes the default or exemption written into the pay locality catch up bill to belittle the actual COLA. I do agree that this will put a hardship onto each agencies payroll budget. But we can still utilize billions in war efforts, giveaways to countries, and other questionable programs. I am hoping that the responsible parties who read this start the required changes to this flawed issue. I am also hoping that others have the backbone to voice their concerns also.

  Concerned Employee Posted December 28, 2007 1:16 PM
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  I am very disappointed that the House has voted to strip border security funds from the omnibus budget bill.

  It has been six years since the attacks on September 11, and we are still waiting for the Federal government to secure the border. For the last two years, the Senate has wasted its time debating amnesty and other rewards for illegal immigration. However, the American public has made it clear, over and over again, that we want our elected officials to secure the border and enforce the law. The Secure Fence Act was supposed to be a first step towards fulfilling that promise, yet, over a year later it still has not been fully funded.

  Congressional leadership is playing a cruel joke on the American people, who have witnessed numerous border security amendments pass, but watch helplessly as the funding is left behind in the process. James Rubar

  James Rubar Posted December 28, 2007 11:28 AM
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  While this is a large piece of legislation, one element stands out; CBP uniformed officers finally got 6c (LEO)status! Great! Despite the whining of some Special Agents in INS and Customs, the uniformed officers have the same arrest powers as they do, carry firearms, and exercise all related police powers. This much needed change will hopefully bring in younger recruits and push the older officers into retirement, where they belong, just like me. Good Luck.

  US Customs Senior Inspector (Retired) Posted December 28, 2007 10:03 AM
• 40469
  

  Thank you this is a step in the right direction, Lets keep taking steps forward and do away with NSPS altogether.

  Rick F. Posted December 28, 2007 8:37 AM
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  Does anyone know if Wage Grade employees were included this year, for raises at the the GS level???

  Roger Posted December 27, 2007 12:31 PM
• 40449
  

  Houston.....We have a budget!

  Lora Finley Posted December 27, 2007 12:23 PM
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  President Bush thank you for signing the omnibus spending bill. However, this process is only a short-term band-aid. War only stimulates a small portion of the economy. Let's get creative as American's and create products and services we can sell the world market that will create real long-term economic growth for the US.

  Phil Posted December 27, 2007 12:13 PM