FederalDaily - July 2, 2007
House Adopts 3.5 Percent Pay Hike for Civilian Work Force
The House on June 28 approved a 3.5 percent pay increase next year for federal civilian employees—and
voted to tighten rules on federal contracting—as part of the Financial Services and General Government
Appropriations bill for FY 2008. In addition to a pay hike, the legislation levels the playing field
in federal contracting-out competitions despite an attempt on the floor to remove the provisions from
the bill. It expands federal employee appeal rights in A-76 procedures, giving them the same rights
currently enjoyed by private contractors to appeal agency decisions on privatizing federal work. The
National Treasury Employees Union, which supported the pay raise, noted in a statement that the pay
increase for federal employees matches the amount previously approved by the House and the Senate Armed
Services Committee for members of the military. NTEU President Colleen Kelley noted the labor union
was extremely disappointed that the House stripped language from the measure that would have severely
limited funding for the IRS private tax-debt collection program. To see more, go to: www.nteu.org
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Senators Introduce GI Academic Support Bill
Sens. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, on June 28 introduced new legislation to enable
college students to keep their academic careers on track after being called up to active military service.
The Veterans Education Tuition Support (VETS) Act would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
and require colleges and universities to refund tuition for servicemembers who deploy during the semester,
and restore their academic status when they return, the senators said. Also, it would extend the period
of time before returning servicemembers must re-enroll in school or face repaying their student loans,
as well as cap student loan interest rates at 6 percent during deployment. The VETS Act would apply
to all National Guard, reservists and active duty military members enrolled in higher education institutions,
the senators said. To see more, go to: http://salazar.senate.gov/news/releases/070628miled.htm
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Bush Nominates Mullen, Cartwright to Joint Chiefs
President Bush on June 28 nominated Navy Admiral Mike Mullen as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and Marine General James Cartwright as the panel’s Vice Chairman. Both positions require Senate
confirmation. The two are to succeed General Pete Pace and Admiral Ed Giambastiani. Mullen graduated
from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 and earned an advanced degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
He has commanded three ships, served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and at the Pentagon
served as Chief of Naval Operations. Cartwright, a Marine aviator, is a graduate of the University
of Iowa and the Naval War College. Since 2004, he’s served as head of the U.S. Strategic Command.
To see more, go to: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070628-1.html
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