WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today after the House Armed Services Committee called this week for members of the military to receive a pay raise of 2.7 percent in 2007, which is higher than the 2.2 percent raise the Bush Administration requested in its FY07 budget proposal in February for both military and civilian employees:
"I applaud the House Armed Services Committee for calling for a 2.7 percent pay raise in 2007 for the military, up from the 2.2 percent raise proposed by President Bush in his budget. The United States depends on the brave men and women of our armed forces to protect our nation's liberty and prosperity and during a time of war their sacrifices for that cause are even greater. One of the ways to recognize this sacrifice is through fair pay.
"The 2.7 percent pay adjustment should also extend to federal civilian employees following the long-standing bipartisan principle of pay parity. The Bush Administration implicitly endorsed the concept of pay parity for military and civilian employees in its FY07 budget proposal. Civilian employees perform a vital role in our national security, as well as provide other important services for American families, and deserve a fair pay adjustment.
"As in past years, I will lead the effort this year to ensure pay parity for federal civilian employees. The Appropriations Committee will begin their work next month and I will use my position on that Committee to work with its Members to provide a fair pay adjustment for federal employees in recognition of their contributions to our country."