A House Appropriations panel yesterday approved a 3.9 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees next year, a significantly larger increase than President Bush had sought.

The raise for 1.9 million federal workers matches the 3.9 percent hike approved by the House for military personnel in May as part of the Defense Department authorization bill.

The Senate has not yet taken up the civilian pay question, but the House panel's action sends a strong signal that a 3.9 percent average raise ultimately is likely to be adopted by Congress.